The Lagos State Government Bans Commercial Motorcycle Riders on 475 Roads in the State

Yesterday in Lagos, hundreds of commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders took to the streets in protest of the ban placed on them from plying some major roads. The Okada riders have been banned from 475 roads in the state and they took their protests to Ikorodu road yesterday, destroying government properties in the process.

It was reported that they vandalized some BRT buses along Onipanu and Palmgrove bus stops. Also at Ejigbo, the riders blocked the road, causing traffic jam in the area while they carried leaves and chanted anti-government songs.

However, the state governor, Babatunde Fashola made a pertinent point recently when he spoke about the risks associated with driving these motocycles on the high ways.
“Many fathers have lost their children; many husbands have lost their wives; many children have lost both parents. All we are saying is don’t go on the highways. First because we must even understand, Okadas and vehicles are automobiles; they are not toys; they are mechanical devices and therefore for you to even use them you must go and train. That’s why you go to driving school to go and learn; then they certify you. Somebody just pulls okada from any parts of the country he likes, gets onto a truck, he’s going to Lagos and then you entrust your life to that man? As if that was not bad enough, he drives against traffic?“


In such a situation, who should back down? Should the Lagos State Government rescind its decision or should the Okada riders just accept the ban in good faith?
What are your thoughts? What do you think??