Okada Ban: Riders Relocate From Lagos Amid Tension Across The State

Okada Ban – As the blanket prohibition on commercial motorcycles, known as Okadas, takes effect across Lagos State, many riders have begun to relocate.

iexclusivenews reports that many are returning to their hometowns and villages, while others are moving to neighboring states such as Ogun and Oyo.

The state government has stated that the prohibition in Ikeja, Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Surulere, Apapa, and Lagos Mainland Local Governments will not be lifted.

Onigbongbo, Ojodu, Ikoyi-Obalende, Iru-Victoria Island, Lagos Island East, Itire-Ikate, Coker-Aguda, Iganmu, and Yaba are among the nine LCDAs within the council’s jurisdiction.

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iexclusivenews reports that security agencies, particularly the police, have been put on high alert to enforce the prohibition and apprehend any violators.

This online news outlet understands that this isn’t the first time the state has banned commercial motorcycles.

However, iexclusivenews reports that after the ban in 2020, which included tricycles. There was a full implementation across the state, but officials relented months later. And riders returned to the state’s major roads and highways.

After a sound engineer was slain by some Okada riders in the state’s Lekki district last month, the state authorities reimposed the prohibition.

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The administration has stated that the current ban will be permanent and that there would be no reversal.

It also downplayed allegations of fear and tension, urging Lagos residents to carry on with their daily routines.

Due to the continued suspension of the Eko Bridge, a Lagos resident who spoke with our correspondent claimed the ban will have a significant impact on his journey from the mainland to Lagos Island.

“Since the closure, I have been using Okada on that axis to avoid the early morning traffic but with the new development, it would be difficult going to work now,” he said.

Meanwhile, iexclusivenews Nigeria reports that most riders, particularly those from the northern areas of the country, have begun relocating ahead of the new crackdown.

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While some have returned to their hometowns and communities, others have relocated to Ogun State, operating in the areas of Kara, Ibafo, and Mowe.

Umaru, a Niger native, told our correspondent that the majority of his people are relocating to the village and selling off their motorcycles.

“But some of my people are still operating around Mowe, Kara, Ibafo and Alagbole which fall under Ogun State,” he said.

Some of his people have decided to sell their motorcycles in Ibadan, he confirmed..