Ondo ‘Okada Riders’ Protest Extortion, Multiple Levies

Commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as “Okada Riders”, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, have protested alleged extortion and imposition of multiple levies on them.

They said repeated payments are making it increasingly difficult for them to provide for their families.

The complaints came amid a clash between some of the riders and ticket sellers in parts of the metropolis over the collection of levies, with scores of people injured in the confrontation.

The riders alleged that they were being subjected to multiple collections, including a daily levy under the guise of an “emblem”, despite having paid similar charges.

They said the payments were taking a significant portion of their daily earnings and worsening the economic hardship faced by commercial motorcycle operators.

A rider who identified himself simply as Adebayo said the motorcycle he operates does not belong to him, explaining that he has to settle the owner after every day’s work before accounting for fuel and other expenses.

“This Okada does not belong to me. I have to make a delivery to the owner of the Okada. After deducting fuel and delivery costs, I barely have enough left to feed myself and my family.

‎“Now, these multiple levies are trying to take everything from us. The little I’m supposed to take home is what I used to pay for this emblem. I really can’t continue like this. Government should please intervene and save us,” he said.

‎Another rider, Jimoh Akindele, accused the Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, of allegedly directing ticket sellers to collect additional levies from operators.

‎“We see this as double taxation because we cannot imagine Hon. Fasua selling an emblem for riders in Akure South. He claimed it was meant for Akure South Local Government, and they are collecting N7,000 from us as a total package.

‎“This is totally wrong. He sent boys to move around different locations to collect levies from us. We learnt that the levy is not for the state government but for the Akure South Local Government, and the state government is unaware of it. That is why we are saying enough is enough. We cannot take it anymore,” he said.

‎Another rider, who identified himself simply as Adekunle, said the multiple collections had become a major burden on operators already struggling to make a living.

‎“We are not against paying government levies, but there should be transparency. You cannot collect money from us several times for the same purpose.

‎“We pay in the morning, and another person comes later to demand another ticket. When we ask questions, nobody gives us a satisfactory explanation. They will say it is for Akure South Local Government.

‎“Fasua is even using the local security outfit that he set up, known as ‘Tiger Base’, to terrorise Okada riders in Akure, and this is very wrong,” he alleged.

‎The riders called on the state government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene in the matter, saying the alleged multiple collections were putting further pressure on their livelihood.

However, Fasua denied knowledge of the controversial collections, saying the alleged emblem was not authorised by him and that no proceeds from its sale had accrued to Akure South Local Government.

‎Fasua said he became aware of the controversy after encountering some of the protesters in front of the Government Office, where they complained about being asked to obtain additional stickers.

‎According to him, the protesters told him they had already obtained stickers earlier in the year, including one issued during the Ogun Festival period, but were being asked to obtain another, making it the third sticker for the year.

‎He said he intervened by asking those involved to suspend the collection pending clarification from the state government, adding that he intended to discuss the matter with Governor Aiyedatiwa.

‎“I told them to hold on with these sales. Let’s get clarity from Mr Governor. I subsequently went to about two other spots and told them to hold on with these sales until we get clarity from the Governor.

‎“I am the representative of the people of Akure. I was voted for, and of course, I am their voice. That was why I said, let me speak with the Governor about it,” Fasua said.

‎On the allegation that the controversial emblem emanated from his office and the Akure South Local Government, the chairman said the use of the council’s name on the emblem did not mean that it was authorised by him.

‎“Where the issue lies is that they wrote the name of my local government on it, but it does not come from me. When they showed me the ones they had taken, the first one for the year and the second one, they were using the name of my local government to generate funds. I know nothing about it, and not even a dime has come to the local government,” he said.

‎Fasua added that he personally photographed one of the emblems shown to him, saying the amount displayed on it was over N7,000.

‎“I remember I snapped one copy of the emblem they showed me. It is N7,000-something. So, if this thing is being sold at N3,000 or N7,000-something and not even one naira comes to the local government, that is why I said let me speak with Mr Governor,” he said.

‎The chairman appealed to the protesters and other parties involved in the dispute to refrain from actions that could disrupt peace in Akure.

‎“My message is that they should stop such. We are not aware of those things, and specifically, Akure is known for peace. My message is, please, let’s avoid any form of protest or action that will break the peace we are enjoying in Akure,” Fasua said.