Hundreds of motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, took to the streets of Orerokpe, headquarters of Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, on November 18, 2024, in a mass protest against what they described as the imposition of illegal levies by the local youth.
The aggrieved commercial motorcycle riders blocked the main Orerokpe Warri Road near Adane Okpe Primary School around 9 am, disrupting traffic as they demanded an end to alleged exploitative practices.
One of the protesters, who identified himself as Henry, speaking to journalists, expressed frustration over the continuous levies imposed by the Orerokpe youth.
He recalled that the group had introduced mandatory stickers in 2023 and were now allegedly trying to enforce the purchase of branded aprons for N6,000 per commercial motorcycle rider.
“We are tired of these illegal levies. They keep finding new ways to exploit us. We won’t accept it this time,” Henry said.
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The protesters also marched to the palace of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom to seek the intervention of the revered monarch. The commercial motorcycle operators urged the traditional ruler to mediate and halt what they termed the oppressive policies of the youth.
As of the time of this report, the commercial motorcycle riders had suspended operations across Orerokpe in a show of solidarity, vowing to resist any further attempts to impose such levies.
This development has caused significant disruption in the movement of people and goods in the area, with residents calling for a swift resolution to the problem between the youths and the aggrieved commercial motorcycle operators.
