Chaos in Ondo as okada riders, ticket sellers clash over multiple levies
Scores of commercial motorcycle operators and ticket sellers were injured during a violent confrontation in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, following disputes over alleged excessive levies imposed on riders.
The clashes erupted in multiple locations across the Akure metropolis, driven by rising tensions related to the collection of daily fees from motorcycle operators. Participants in the altercation claimed that ticket sellers were demanding additional payments despite riders having already fulfilled previous financial obligations, which led to widespread unrest in the city.
In response to the situation, riders began protesting against what they termed unauthorized and duplicated levies, disrupting motorcycle operations in several areas of the capital. Amidst the chaos, many individuals fled for safety.
Jimoh Akindele, a motorcycle operator, accused the chairman of the local government, Hon. Fasua, of instructing ticket sellers to collect these additional charges. He labeled the practice as “double taxation,” noting that the chairman had introduced a fee for riders, totaling N7,000, which he claimed was intended for the Akure South Local Government.
In a statement addressing the allegations, Fasua denied any involvement in the disputed collections. He asserted that the emblem linked to the charges was not approved by him and that the local government had not received any funds from its sale.
