The Oyo state government through its road transport management authority on Monday 3rd February 2020, reacts to the increase of Okada influx and tricycles into the state. This action was imminent based on the recent ban of Commercial motorcycles and tricycles within the neighboring states. However, this call to action was made public at the Authority’s Administrative Headquarters, state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. In the statement, the Oyo State Transport Management Authority OYRTMA, through its Chairman, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi Ph.D. he stated;
“With regards to the partial ban of commercial motorcyclist in our neighboring states, the Oyo state government is clearly aware of the Okada influx into the state and is however onto of the situation.We anticipated the massive Okada influx and though we are known for our outstanding show of hospitality to our fellow Nigerians and being aware of the peoples believe in the leadership of his Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, we will not relent to discipline anyone who breaches our security system. “the government of Oyo state will take proactive measures to stop any breach of our security network and also avoid extensive stretching of the available infrastructure”.
Furthermore, Mr Fagbemi added that the OYRTMA had adopted measures to have a central database of both the commercial Motorcycles, tricycles and taxis’, to be able to have a proper official identification operators and their vehicles known to the government. We are already engaging the various rider’s unions and associations so as to checkmate the rate of influx and ensure clarity. This will ensure easy identification and recovery in cases of accidents and theft. The Executive Chairman also noted that while the embark on 24hours surveillance on the situation of things, the residents are encouraged to go about their lawful businesses without panic. He further said that modalities are at optimal stage to begin the routing of all commercial cabs, motorcycles and tricycles in and around the state.
Rounding off, he instructed commercial cab drivers to resist from carrying more than one passenger on the front seat. Also for commercial Tricycles operators to avoid carrying more than three passengers. Fagbemi concluded by saying that all these adopted by the Oyo state government are geared towards reducing road accidents and others negative vices. However, ensuring the actualization of the overall government goal, which is the safety and security of its people.
