Commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, in parts of Akure, Ondo State, went on rampage on Wednesday, protesting alleged multiple ticketing and levy collections by ticket sellers. The protest led to a violent clash between the riders and ticket sellers, leaving scores of people injured and disrupting commercial activities and motorcycle operations in parts of the state capital.
The riders accused ticket sellers of repeatedly demanding payments from them despite having obtained tickets or stickers for similar purposes, describing the practice as multiple taxation. They claimed that they were being asked to pay as much as N7,000 in different charges. The dispute reportedly centred on the collection of an alleged daily levy under the guise of an “emblem”.
One of the riders, Jimoh Akindele, accused the Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, of authorising the collections. Akindele said the operators could no longer bear the burden of what he described as multiple levies. He alleged that Fasua sent boys to move around different locations to collect levies from them.
Another rider, Adekunle, said the repeated collections had become a major burden on operators struggling to make a living. He alleged that the local security outfit established by the council, known as Tiger Base, was being used to intimidate Okada riders during levy collection. Adekunle appealed to the state government to intervene in the dispute and prevent further clashes between the riders and ticket sellers.
However, reacting to the allegations, Fasua denied authorising the controversial levy or emblem, saying the council had not received any proceeds from its collection. Fasua said he became aware of the controversy after meeting some of the protesting riders in front of the Government Office.
Fasua said he subsequently directed those involved in the sales to suspend the collection pending clarification from the state government. He also urged the riders and other parties involved to desist from actions capable of disrupting the peace in Akure, saying the council was not aware of the alleged collections.
The incident highlights the need for transparency and clarity in the collection of levies and taxes from Okada riders in Ondo State. The state government's intervention is necessary to resolve the dispute and prevent further clashes between the riders and ticket sellers.
Key points
- Okada riders in Akure, Ondo State, protest alleged multiple ticketing and levy collections by ticket sellers.
- The protest leads to a violent clash, leaving scores injured and disrupting commercial activities.
- The Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area denies authorising the controversial levy or emblem.
