Ondo bans okada operations over traffic law violations

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The Ondo State Government has announced a ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okadas, on some routes in Akure, the state capital.

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The government said the move was aimed at improving traffic management in the state.

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The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Transport, Olumuyiwa Ogunyemi, who spoke with journalists in Akure on Tuesday, said the government was ready to prosecute motorists, commercial motorcycle riders and other road users who violated traffic regulations, particularly traffic light signals.

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He said the enforcement was part of measures to improve traffic management in Akure and other parts of the state.

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Ogunyemi explained that motorcycle operators would only be allowed to operate up to designated points within the affected areas.

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He said, “Okada operations have been banned on some routes in Akure. Riders approaching from the Police Officers’ Mess route will be restricted to approved locations, while those coming through the First Bank area in Alagbaka will terminate their operations around the Teaching Service Commission axis in Akure.”

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He said the government would intensify enforcement of traffic laws following ongoing public enlightenment campaigns aimed at preparing residents for changes in the traffic landscape occasioned by new infrastructure projects, including the ongoing flyover construction in the state capital.

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The governor’s aide emphasised that road users must begin to adapt to modern traffic management systems, including strict compliance with traffic lights and designated bus stops.

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“The people living in the state capital should know that it is no longer business as usual. They must obey traffic lights and traffic regulations. We want to ensure that we do more on enforcement, having already commenced sensitisation and enlightenment for road users,” he said.

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He also warned that commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators who ignored traffic signals would face arrest and prosecution.

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“We have noticed that Okada riders and tricycle operators often fail to wait for the green signal before moving. Such behaviour will not be tolerated. Anyone who violates traffic regulations will be arrested and prosecuted,” Ogunyemi stated.

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The Special Adviser urged residents to cooperate with the government’s efforts to modernise the transportation infrastructure and ensure the free flow of traffic across the state capital.

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He noted that additional traffic management facilities, including zebra crossings and speed limit signs, would be installed, particularly around schools and other sensitive locations, to improve road safety.

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“People should cooperate with the government to allow the free flow of traffic. The government is doing everything possible to make the state capital a better place,” he said.

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