Oyo prohibits Okada riders lacking coded jackets on roads
Abdullateef Fowewe
In response to a rise in criminal incidents involving unregistered operators in Oyo State, the State Government announced on Saturday its intention to prosecute and restrict any commercial motorcycle rider, commonly known as an Okada rider, who operates without a QR code-embedded jacket.
A statement from the Chairman of the state Traffic Management Authority, Adekoya Adesagba, encouraged residents to utilize only Okada riders displaying official QR code jackets.
He reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to enforcing this policy among commercial motorcycle riders.
Adesagba pointed out that recent events included armed robbers on an unmarked motorcycle who stole a trader’s earnings at gunpoint in Bodija Market, as well as a passenger being robbed by someone posing as a legitimate Okada rider in the Challenge Area.
The chairman stated that, “A kidnapping attempt was foiled after locals reported suspicious riders without QR jackets on the UI-Agbowo Axis.
“OYRTMA urges residents to patronise only Okada riders with these official jackets. The benefits include real-time rider verification, crime prevention, emergency tracking, and increased passenger trust.
“Daily raids and impoundment of non-compliant motorcycles. Fines and possible prosecution for violators
“The government assures that this policy is for the safety of all residents, and defaulters will be barred from operating on the state roads.”
Adesagba emphasised that the government would intensify enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance.
The chairman said the directive, reinforced by the Office of the Governor through the Senior Special Assistant on ICT & E-Governance, Adebayo Akande mandated “OYRTMA to intensify enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance.
“The policy, introduced in November 2023, requires Okada and tricycle operators to register under the State Residents’ Registration Scheme.
“Despite initial provisions of these free jackets, compliance has remained low, emboldening criminals, and leading to increased Okada-related crimes,” he noted.
