Commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, clashed with ticket sellers and park officials in parts of Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Tuesday over the enforcement of daily ticket payments and levies, disrupting traffic and creating tension for several hours.
Key Highlights
- Okada riders clashed with ticket sellers and park officials around Oja Oba and Arakale in Akure.
- The confrontation reportedly followed disagreements over daily tickets and multiple levies.
- Some ticket booths and motorcycles were damaged during the incident.
- Police and Amotekun operatives were deployed to restore order.
- Normalcy reportedly returned to the affected areas, while security operatives called for a peace meeting.
How the Akure Okada Riders Clash Started
The confrontation reportedly began around Oja Oba and Arakale, two major commercial centres in Akure, when ticket sellers and park officials attempted to enforce daily ticket and levy payments on commercial motorcycle operators.
Eyewitnesses said the riders resisted the enforcement, arguing that the charges were excessive and that they were already being subjected to multiple daily collections by different groups.
The disagreement reportedly escalated from an exchange of words to shouting and physical confrontation.
Some riders allegedly vandalised ticket booths, while others blocked roads with their motorcycles to prevent officials from reaching other operators.
“It was chaotic for about an hour. Vehicles couldn’t move. We had to park and wait,” a commuter said.
Police officers and operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, were later deployed to the affected areas to restore order.
No deaths were reported, although several people reportedly sustained minor injuries. Some motorcycles and a ticket kiosk were also damaged.
Okada Riders Accuse Ticket Sellers of Extortion
Leaders of some Okada unions in Akure said they were not opposed to paying legitimate dues but accused ticket sellers of extortion and a lack of accountability.
One rider leader reportedly said operators were struggling to meet multiple financial demands from the government, unions and park authorities.
“We pay to government, we pay to union, we pay to park. Now they want more. How will we feed our families?” the rider leader said.
The union leaders’ concerns centred on the number of levies imposed on operators and the need for greater transparency in the collection and management of the payments.
Read also:
- Akure Okada Riders Protest N7,000 Levy As Council Chairman Denies Authorising Collection
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- Delta Transport Ministry condemns Touts’ extortion of Keke, Okada Operators
Ticket Sellers Defend Levy Collection
Representatives of the ticket sellers said they were implementing directives from the local government and transport management authorities to maintain order and generate revenue.
They also accused some motorcycle operators of working without proper identification and failing to comply with traffic regulations.
The conflicting positions have raised concerns among traders, commuters and other residents about the need for clear rules governing commercial motorcycle operations and the collection of transport-related levies in Akure.
Ondo Government Yet to Issue Official Statement
As of press time, the Ondo State Ministry of Transport and Akure South Local Government had not issued an official statement on the confrontation.
Security operatives said they were monitoring the situation and had invited leaders of both sides to a peace meeting to prevent further clashes.
Traders and commuters in the affected areas called on the government to regulate commercial motorcycle operations and clarify the rules governing ticket sales and levy collection.
Normalcy has reportedly returned to Oja Oba and Arakale, although police officers remained in the area to maintain order.
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