Okada Riders Protest Against Multiple Levies in Ondo

In Akure, Ondo State, a violent clash occurred between commercial motorcycle operators, known as Okada riders, and ticket sellers, resulting in scores of injuries. The conflict was sparked by accusations from the riders that ticket sellers were demanding additional payments despite already having paid similar levies.

The riders specifically accused Hon. Gbenga Fasua, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, of imposing multiple charges under the guise of an ‘emblem’. They claimed that the daily levy of N7,000 was not sanctioned by the state government, leading to protests that disrupted motorcycle operations in the city.

Riders like Jimoh Akindele expressed frustration over what they termed double taxation, while another rider, Adekunle, called for transparency in the collection of levies. In response, Fasua denied knowledge of the unauthorized collections and stated that no proceeds had been received by the local government from the alleged emblem sales.