The Osun state Government has given a two-week ultimatum to commercial motorcyclists (okada riders) in the State to “document their members, register their bikes, issue them tags and reflective jackets with bold prints behind showing the different areas and units of operation” or risk suspension of their operations.
The duration of commercial motorcycle operators has also been limited.
Henceforth, the motorcyclists will only operate from 6:00am to 8:00pm daily.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola at a meeting with the leadership of the Associations of Commercial Motorcycle Operators in the State.
He disclosed that the decision was part of efforts to firm up security in the State following the recent looting and vandalisation of government and private property as well as general disruption of peace across the State.
Oyetola expressed his shock and displeasure at the way motorcycle operators allowed themselves to be used to cause unprecedented damage around the State in the last few days.
Addressing the representatives of the association, Oyetola said, “Security reports revealed that your members played major roles in the destabilisation and breakdown of law and order that necessitated the declaration of curfew in the State.
“Your members were the ones who ferried looters from house to house to perpetrate evil. They were the ones who were paid to transport hoodlums to destroy people’s businesses.
“I can also confirm to you that even the attempt on my life was aided by some of your members, who after our escape from the mob, gave my convoy a long chase and attempted to block our movement at different points.
“We also have security reports that some of your members are involved in all forms of illicit activities like robbery, kidnapping, and ritual killings.
“Considering all these, the government cannot pretend that all is well because the primary duty of government is to ensure security of life and property of its citizens.
“That is why we are mandating all the various associations of commercial motorcycle operators in the state to document their members, register their bikes, issue them tags and reflective jackets with bold prints behind showing the different areas and units of operation.
“This exercise is expected to be concluded within two weeks from the time of this meeting. The time has come to separate the wheat from the chaff and as leaders of the associations, please ensure this is done.
“Otherwise, government will have no option but to suspend okada operations in the State”.
However, the Governor added that, the government was aware that okada business was a source of livelihood to many and not all of them were criminals, but the events of the past few days had shown that the criminal elements among them had become a threat to the peace of Osun.
“I also appeal to you as leaders of the associations to advise your members to desist from allowing themselves to be used for criminal activities”.
In their responses, the representatives of the various associations of commercial motorcycle in the State took turns to apologise to the Governor for the role some of their members played in causing devastations across the state, and promised to comply with the directives of the State Government.
The meeting had in attendance the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Prince Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo; the Head of Service, Mr. Olowogboyega Oyebade, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Adebayo Adeleke; Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun; Commissioner for Intergovernmental and Political Affairs, Hon Taiwo Akeju and some Special advisers to the governor.