There was unrest in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, on Wednesday when commercial motorcycle operators, known as Okada riders, clashed with ticket sellers. The conflict arose over claims of unfair multiple fees, resulting in several injuries.
The clashes took place at various locations in the city. Okada riders protested after revenue collectors demanded payment for a new fee, which they argued was unnecessary since they had already paid similar charges. The riders claimed they were being forced to pay N7,000 for an emblem introduced by the Akure South Local Government Area.
They accused the local council chairman, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, of allowing this new fee, a claim he denied. The situation caused disruptions in motorcycle services, as many riders stopped working to join the protests against the alleged levy.
One rider, Jimoh Akindele, criticized the enforcement of what he called double taxation. He stated that collectors were stationed throughout the city to ensure riders paid the new fee. Another operator, Adekunle, expressed that while they were willing to pay legitimate taxes, they were frustrated by the lack of transparency and repeated demands for payments.
According to Adekunle, riders often faced demands for additional tickets later in the day after already paying in the morning. He also claimed that local security was being used to intimidate them and called for intervention from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to prevent further escalation.
In response, Chairman Fasua stated he had not authorized the collection of the emblem fee and that no money had been sent to the local government from these charges. He noted that he only learned about the protests after encountering the riders outside the Government Office.
Fasua urged the riders to remain calm and avoid actions that could disturb the peace in Akure. He emphasized that the local government was not involved in the collection of the fee, despite its name appearing on the emblem.
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