The total ban on commercial motorcycles (okada), recently ordered by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, comes into effect today.
Many blue-chip companies and international conglomerates on Tuesday advised their staff to delay coming out or stay home all together in view of the threat of violence that had been circulated on social media.
The ban on Okada riders’ operations will affect six Local Government Areas.
They are: Ikeja, Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, Apapa, Surulere and Lagos Mainland.
Sanwo-Olu directed that from today, June 1, security operatives in the State should enforce the proscription order across the listed councils.
The Lagos State Police Command has made it clear that both motorcyclists and passengers who disobey the new ban on Okada operations will be arrested and prosecuted.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Public Relations Officer, said in a tweet.
“Under the new total ban of motorcycles in six local government areas of Lagos State, passengers and riders alike will be arrested and prosecuted.
“The passenger is an accomplice. Ignorance will not be an excuse!” Hundeyin tweeted.
The Lagos State Police Command has also reacted to fears over motorcycle operators’ “plan to cause violence”.
Ahead of the enforcement, the riders reportedly threatened to disrupt social and commercial activities.
However, Hundeyin has assured Lagosians of safety, disclosing that the Commissioner, Abiodun Alabi has deployed human, material and operational resources to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
Benjamin noted that a carefully drafted security architecture, resulting from a detailed crime mapping of the State, had been done.
