In the just surmised stakeholders security meeting held at Ikorodu local government secretariat on the 15th of June 2022, Hon. Wasiu Adesina (Executive chairman) at a specific juncture asserted that come July 2022, okada riders are no longer required to carry more than one passenger per trip across the central part of the waterbed region in Lagos state.
The security-inclined-based decision by the council boss which was supported by both DPOs (A.P Balogun & Adekunle Omisakin) from Sagamu and Baiyeku axis of the division (present at the meeting) saw arousal of concerns from participating stakeholders and residents who felt the new statute would be tough on inhabitants in fulfilling their daily chores.
According to Adesina, the need to regulate Okada transit came up due to security justifications, adding that most times perpetrators of social vices can only execute evil plans through the use of the motorcycles.
Adesina continued, “While we’re looking at different ways to combat insecurities in our communities, we also have to set some regulations in place to help our law enforcement agencies do their work effectively”.
“Crime propellers in our community can easily operate with Okada, which makes it hard for our law enforcement to spring into action on time. But if we insert regulations to curtail the deeds, though it will be tough on our residents it will drastically reduce the crime rate. It is a bitter-sweet ruling, but a win for peace and tranquillity”.
“This is why from July 2022, (through our law enforcement agencies) we shall only allow Okada riders to carry just one passenger per trip, any okada rider that fails to adhere to the rule at any given time will face the Law for defaulting”.
“I want to exhort and implore the good people of Ikorodu local government to support our numerous security agencies to fight against insecurities across our vicinities”.
“So far, we’ve seen a drastic decline in crime rate according to our DPOs, and we intend to keep it going down till we can have a very peaceful Ikorodu, a perfect destination for all” Hon. Wasiu Adesina added
The backdrop of growing menace and nuisance constituted by commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada also made Lagos State Government impose a fresh ban to curtail the unruly activities of the riders which commenced on June 1st 2022 in 6 local governments and 9 LCDAs (Ikorodu excluded).