Two leaders of the Hausa community in Lagos State have warned their constituents against engaging in any form of protest against the ban of commercial motorcycles commonly known as Okada in six local governments of the state.
Thursday evening, our correspondent conducted separate interviews with each leader.
One of the leaders, Iliyasu Kira, stated in a telephone interview that no member will be permitted to protest.
According to Kira, the Seriki of Shasha in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, the government’s decision will disinfect the system.
He stated, “Our people are upset because the ban will impact them, but we are calming them down.” We will not permit any demonstrations, as the government is superior and no one should oppose it.
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“There are bad eggs and good eggs among Okada riders, but the bad eggs have implicated the good eggs by disobeying traffic laws, riding Okadas in the middle of the night, utilising one-way streets, carrying dangerous weapons, etc. We can only again request that the government reconsider its decision.”
When asked if the association of Seriki Hausawa in Lagos has met since the government’s recent ban on Okada, Kira stated that they have not met to discuss the matter.
Also, while conversing with his subjects, the Seriki Hausa of Ajah, Ibrahim Ngoma, stated that no protests would be permitted in the state.
Even though the affected area where the task force conducted operations today does not fall under his jurisdiction, he stated that no protests would be permitted.
Ngoma stated, “As of right now, nobody is complaining that the law has not yet taken effect in June. Lagos State law prohibits us from protesting, and we will comply with the law. That is not acceptable.”
The leaders had appealed to Governor Babade Sanwo-Olu to reconsider the ban because many Okada riders from the northern region of the country make up a significant portion of Lagos’ voting population.
The Iyana Iba, Alaba, Agric, and Barracks ends of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway reportedly descended into chaos on Thursday as police officers and motorcyclists clashed.
According to reports, the conflict began after the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offenses Enforcement Unit (Task Force) and the Rapid Response Squad visited the areas to enforce the state’s traffic law.
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Supposedly, the agents confiscated motorcycles along the expressway and issued eviction notices to Alaba Rago Market tenants.
However, some of the motorcyclists resisted the seizure of their motorcycles, leading to a confrontation with the security agents.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the officer in charge of public relations for the Lagos State Police, stated that over 200 motorcycles were seized during the raid.
Motorcycle Operators Association of Lagos State declined to comment.
