The long announced date to effect the Okada Ban in some parts of Lagos state in which Amuwo-Odofin LGA was exempted slated for June 1st 2022 is here.
Today marks the commencement of ban on commercial motorcyclists, popularly called “Okada ” riders in the following areas Ikeja, Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, Apapa, Surulere and Lagos Mainland.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Govenor of Lagos state had earlier announced the planned ban on activities of Okada in Only 6 Local Government Areas and 9 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, to commence on June 1, 2022, two weeks ago which left Amuwo-Odofin and some other areas out of the ban.
The Lagos State Police Command has made it clear that both motorcyclists and passengers who disobey the new ban on Okada operations will be arrested and prosecuted.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a tweet.
“Under the new total ban of motorcycles in six local government areas of Lagos State, passengers and riders alike will be arrested and prosecuted.
“The passenger is an accomplice. Ignorance will not be an excuse!” Hundeyin tweeted.
The Lagos State Police Command has also reacted to fears over motorcycle operators’ “plan to cause violence”
Recall that Sanwo-Olu had on May 10, 2021, reviewed the 2012 Lagos Traffic Law guiding the Okada operations, after his predecessors, Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode’s administrations had banned their activities.
Fashola had signed the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012, which restricts okada operations in at least 492 of the 9200 roads across the metropolis in an effort to reduce the menace of their operations in recent past.
The latest ban however, came in the wake of series of concerns raised by a traditional ruler in Lekki area, Oniru of IruLand, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, and residents on the urgent need to avert security breach in the area and by extension, the state.
In a swift reaction to end the menace of Okada, Sanwo-Olu, at an emergency meeting with Commissioner of Police, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja, announced a total ban on Okada on all highways across six LGAs, and nine, LCDAs, of the State.
What are your concerns ? What do you think ?
I support the ban! Lagos can take a cue frm Edo state. These okadas are reckless and havoc causers. I am still nursing 2 injuries sustained when I took one of them. Let Kekes and the good old taxis replace them.I don tire for okada!