Oyo May Ban Okada Operations

Ololade Adeyanju/

The Oyo State Government is considering banning operations of commercial motorcycles (Okada) to counter their influx from Lagos.

Lagos State government had last week announced a ban on the operations of Okada and commercial tricycles in six local government areas as well as on major expressways and bridges in the state.

This was made known by the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA), Dr. Akin Fagbemi, in a statement today in Ibadan.

According to Fagbemi, Governor Seyi Makinde will soon make a pronouncement on whether or not Okada would be allowed in the state.

He said, “We are aware of the massive exodus of affected motorcycle operators to Oyo State, which is anticipated, but I assure you, that OYRTMA is on top of its game.

“As we earnestly await the position of the state government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, on the proscription or otherwise of motorcycles within the major highways in the state, it is crucial we get ourselves prepared for what is to come.”

He said though the Oyo was reputed for its hospitality, it, however, would take proactive steps to stop any breach in the security of the state or overstretching of the available infrastructure.

Fagbemi noted that OYRTMA has put in place measures to have a central database of all commercial cabs, tricycles and motorcycle operators within the state.

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