The Ondo State Government has moved to address the lingering concerns over ticketing, levies and alleged multiple payments by commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, operating in Akure, the state capital.
The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Special Duties and Strategy, Hon. (Dr.) Oluwafemi Fadairo, disclosed this after meeting with Okada operators and their leaders to listen to their grievances and seek a lasting solution to the issues creating tension between the riders and revenue collectors.
Fadairo made it clear that the Aiyedatiwa administration had not introduced any new levy or additional tax on commercial motorcyclists, stressing that the government would not support arbitrary charges, multiple ticketing or unnecessary financial burdens on the operators.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by the riders, describing them as legitimate residents of the state with the right to express their grievances and seek clarification whenever they believe they are being unfairly treated.
According to him, legitimate taxes and approved government levies remain payable, but such charges must be clearly defined, transparently administered and properly accounted for.
Fadairo said the government and the riders agreed on the need to streamline the ticketing and revenue collection system to eliminate confusion and prevent situations where different collectors demand separate payments for the same obligation.
He assured the operators that their concerns would receive the necessary attention, emphasizing that the government’s objective was not to frustrate their businesses but to establish a fair, transparent and orderly system that works for both the riders and government.
He urged the Okada riders to remain law-abiding and channel their grievances through the appropriate authorities, assuring them that the Aiyedatiwa administration remained open to dialogue and committed to protecting the legitimate interests of residents while ensuring compliance with approved laws and regulations.
