By Achile Danjuma
The Ondo State Government has announced an immediate ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, across all 18 local government areas of the state during nighttime hours.
The new regulation, which takes effect immediately from Wednesday, October 25, 2023, restricts motorcycle operations between the hours of 7 pm and 6 am.
Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the State Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, made the announcement on Wednesday at the command’s headquarters in Akure, the state capital.
Addressing journalists, Commander Adeleye outlined a series of new security measures mandated by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, aimed at bolstering public safety and order across the state.
“I want to put it on record that by the directive of the governor of Ondo State and pursuant to the relevant laws and public safety regulations of Ondo State, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, hereby notifies the general public of the following security measures and regulatory directives currently in force within the state,” Adeleye stated.
He emphasized that the primary goal of these measures is to protect lives and property. “These measures are aimed at strengthening security, maintaining public order, and protecting lives and property across Ondo State. Members of the public are therefore required to take note of and comply with the following directives.”
The key directives announced by the Amotekun commander include:
“A restriction on the use of motorcycles at night. The operational use of motorcycles within Ondo State is prohibited between the hours of 7 pm and 6 am,” Adeleye declared.
This restriction applies to all commercial motorcyclists, with exceptions only for security personnel and other essential service providers specifically exempted by the government.
In addition to the night ban, the government has made it compulsory for all motorcycle operators to register with the state. “All motorcycle users and operators within the state shall register and obtain the requisite certification from the Ondo State Security Network Agency either at the headquarters of the Corps or the various local government commands of the Corps,” Adeleye explained. He warned that “any person who fails to comply with this registration requirement shall be deemed to be operating unlawfully within the state.”
As part of efforts to improve traffic management and environmental sanitation, the government also banned the activities of cart pushers. “The activities of cart pushers within major metropolises across Ondo State are hereby prohibited. This measure is intended to promote public safety, ensure better traffic management, and maintain environmental order within urban centres.”
All individuals and businesses involved in the trade of condemned iron scrap and related materials are now required to register with the state government. They have been given a two-week ultimatum, starting from Wednesday, to comply. “Failure to comply with this directive within the stipulated period may result in appropriate enforcement actions in accordance with the law,” Adeleye warned.
Finally, the government prohibited the display and sale of farm produce in undesignated areas. “The display or sale of farm produce in any place other than the approved market is hereby prohibited.”
Commander Adeleye urged all residents to comply with the new regulations, stating that security agencies would begin enforcement immediately to ensure public safety across Ondo State.