By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Ondo State Government has announced a restriction on the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okadas, across major routes in Akure, the state capital.
Speaking with newsmen in Akure on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Transport, Olumuyiwa Ogunyemi, stated that the state was prepared to arrest and prosecute motorists, motorcycle riders, and other road users violating traffic laws, especially traffic light signals.
He clarified that commercial motorcycle operators would henceforth be restricted to operating up to designated boundary points along affected corridors.
Ogunyemi 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.”
He disclosed that the government was moving to step up direct enforcement following ongoing public enlightenment campaigns designed to adapt residents to traffic shifts brought on by new infrastructure projects, including the ongoing flyover construction in Akure.
Emphasising that commuters and operators must adjust to modern traffic control measures, including designated bus stops, the governor’s aide warned that non-compliance would draw strict penalties.
“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.
Ogunyemi particularly expressed dismay at commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators who habitually ignore light signals at intersections.
“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.
He further revealed that additional safety measures, including zebra crossings and speed limit signs, would be installed near school zones and critical infrastructure across the city.
In a final appeal, the Special Adviser urged residents and motorists to cooperate fully with traffic officials to guarantee the free flow of vehicles during the ongoing urban transformation.
“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.
