Ondo okada riders protest alleged multiple levies, seek intervention

By Boye Oyeyemi

Tension erupted in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday as commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, protested alleged multiple levies imposed on them, while seeking urgent intervention.

The dispute reportedly spread to different parts of the metropolis after some riders resisted demands by revenue collectors to pay for a new emblem, despite having paid similar charges earlier.

The riders claimed they were being asked to pay N7,000 for an emblem bearing the name of Akure South Local Government Area, while alleging that enforcement agents were deployed to strategic locations to compel compliance.

One of the riders, Jimoh Akindele, described the development as double taxation, alleging that operators were subjected to repeated payments by different collectors within the same day.

Another rider, who identified himself as Adekunle, said the operators were not opposed to legitimate government revenue but wanted transparency regarding the various charges imposed on them.

He appealed to the Ondo State Government, particularly Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene in the matter before the situation escalated further.

However, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, Gbenga Fasua, denied approving the disputed levy, saying neither he nor the council authorised the sale of the emblem and that no revenue from the collection had been remitted to the local government.

Fasua said he became aware of the matter after meeting the protesting riders, who told him they had obtained stickers earlier in the year but were being asked to purchase another one. He said he subsequently visited some locations and directed that the sales be suspended pending clarification. He urged the riders and other parties involved to remain calm and avoid actions capable of disrupting peace in Akure.