Scores of people were reportedly injured in Akure, Ondo State, after commercial motorcyclists clashed with ticket sellers over alleged multiple levies imposed on Okada riders.
The confrontation occurred at different locations across the state capital following growing tensions over the collection of daily levies from commercial motorcycle operators.
The riders accused ticket sellers of demanding additional payments despite having already paid similar charges, leading to disruptions in commercial motorcycle operations and forcing residents to scamper for safety.
The dispute reportedly centred on an alleged daily levy collected under the guise of an “emblem”, with some riders accusing the Chairman of Akure South Local Council Area, Gbenga Fasua, of imposing multiple charges.
One of the riders, Jimoh Akindele, described the situation as double taxation, claiming operators were being asked to pay as much as N7,000 as a total package.
“We see this as double taxation because we cannot imagine Hon. Fasua selling an emblem for riders in Akure South,” Akindele said.
He alleged that the collectors were moving around different locations to demand payments from riders, adding that operators had been told the levy was for the local council and not the state government.
Another rider, Adekunle, said operators were not opposed to paying legitimate government levies but wanted transparency in the collection process.
“We are not against paying government levies, but there should be transparency. You cannot collect money from us several times for the same purpose,” he said.
Adekunle also alleged that the multiple collections had placed additional pressure on riders struggling to make a living. He appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene before the dispute escalated further.
However, Fasua denied authorising the disputed levy, saying the alleged emblem was not approved by him and that no revenue from its sale had accrued to the Akure South Local Council.
The chairman said he became aware of the controversy after meeting some of the protesting riders at the Government Office.
According to him, the riders complained that they had already obtained stickers earlier in the year, including one issued during the Ogun Festival, but were being asked to obtain another, which would amount to a third sticker within the year.
Fasua said he subsequently directed those involved to suspend the collection pending clarification from the state government.
“I told them to hold on with these sales. Let’s get clarity from Mr Governor,” he said, adding that he intended to discuss the matter with Aiyedatiwa.
The chairman urged the riders, ticket sellers and other parties involved to refrain from actions capable of disrupting peace in Akure.
He said the city was known for its peaceful atmosphere and appealed to all sides to avoid further confrontation.
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