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OKADA RESTRICTION: SANWO-OLU’S ACTION IN THE BEST INTEREST OF LAGOS
‘’If you care about the security of Lagos State, support your Governor on the restriction of Okada and Keke.’’ This was the submission of the former Governor of Lagos State and current Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola at a recent interaction with newsmen in Lagos.
I have followed news reports, commentaries, opinion articles and street reactions for and against the restriction on the commercial operations of Okada and Keke by my principal, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in some parts of Lagos State. While some appear as balanced argument, especially along the economic line, which can’t stand as good reasons for policy reversal, several others were pure sentiment and emotional outbursts, mostly lacking in logical reasoning. A careful analysis of the subject matter has shown that there is a consensus among the protagonists and the antagonists that commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists have become a danger in Lagos; everybody knows and agrees to this red flag! In fact many of those against the Okada restriction, whether knowingly or unknowingly have called for total eradication of bicycles and tricycles in the city of Lagos.
A columnist, Bimbo Adelakun in the back page of the Punch newspaper on Thursday February 6th wrote:
‘’In principle, I am not against the ban on those vehicles themselves, but the timing and the execution of Sanwo-Olu’s decision. I believe that okadas and kekes have to go at some point. They are an urban nuisance, an ungainly sight, a blight, and an ugly blotch on Nigeria’s botched landscape. Those vehicles desecrate spaces and painfully highlight the un-citiness of our cities.”
Same with Bashorun Dele Momodu in his pendulum column at the back page of ThisDay newspaper submitted that:
”Apart from the population explosion and the stupendous traffic jams, Lagos is bedevilled by a major security conflagration. This arises from its metropolitan nature and its willingness to welcome and absorb all those who genuinely want to be a part of its miracle. The flip side of this welcoming attitude is that Lagos will also attract shady characters and nefarious elements. The recent influx of unidentifiable immigrants into Lagos is just a sample of this major headache and has further compounded the bad situation.”
There are several other writers who have taken a position either for or against this restriction. Many of them have offered what they, in their opinion think should be the best solution to the Okada menace. I see this as a good development for our fledgling democracy. However, one must remind these opinion writers that most of what they offered in their write ups were at one time or another, part of several suggestions placed before Government. One must also educate them that Government didn’t wake up to place restrictions on the commercial activities of bicycles and tricycles in parts of the city.
Deaths were being recorded on a daily basis as a result of the reckless nature of Okada riders. Security of lives was threatened, as Okada became the easiest form of mobility for criminals. Recklessness, disorderliness and total disregard to the traffic rules reigned supreme among the Okada and Keke riders.
Their behaviour has taken a toll on the social and environmental well-being of the people.
Government has a responsibility to protect the lives and property of its citizens. As Governor Sanwo-Olu said during the flag off of the commercial operations of Lagos Ferry services, his administration deemed it necessary to restrict the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in some parts of the State, especially in six Local Governments, nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDA), 16 major highways and 41 bridges, where there have been records of security breaches, disobedience to traffic rules, accidents and untimely deaths caused by motorcycle and tricycle riders. The decision of the government is definitely in line with what he promised over 22 million Lagosians during his inauguration on May 29, 2019.
“We intend to make history by making for ourselves and our children a better future…Let us vow to ourselves, and to posterity that we shall not just dream of a Greater Lagos. Let us agree this day that we shall collectively rise up to build the Lagos of our dreams.
“My administration will ensure that we walk the talk as far as transparency, the rule of law and fiscal discipline are concerned. We will make sure that we create the right environment in which security and safety of lives and property are guaranteed…On this day, I vow as your Governor that I will serve the public cause with my utmost ability and commitment,” Governor Sanwo promised while delivering his inaugural address titled ‘Awakening a Greater Lagos’ on May 29, 2019 at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.
Therefore, as a man who is passionate about pursuing his dream of a Greater Lagos, it is expected of him to do the needful in protecting the citizens of the state who trooped out en masse during the March 9, 2019 governorship poll to elect him as the Chief Executive of the commercial capital of Nigeria.
There is also a need to remind these commentators that one of the rare qualities of a leader is his ability to make tough decisions especially in the best interest of the people. As a great leader, Governor Sanwo-Olu believes in the greatest good for the greatest number. On the strength of this, Mr. Governor has said his decision to restrict the movements of Okada and Keke in the publicized locations is irreversible because it was made in the best interest of the residents.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while launching eight locally manufactured speedboats of the Lagos State Ferry Services, LAGFERRY held at Badore Ferry Terminal, Ajah, reiterated that the decision was for security and safety reasons.
His said: “We will sustain the restriction on Okada and tricycles, mainly because of security and safety reasons. The security and safety of citizens are paramount to any government. As a responsible government, we will not fold our arms and allow any security breach in the state.
“We will continue to ensure the safety of our people on all fronts. There have been reports of serious security breaches and safety concerns in areas where these operators ply. We had to respond to these concerns because lives and safety matter to this government.”
Reports from different quarters have shown clearly that more people, including opposition parties in the state are fully in support of the step taken by the Government. None has outrightly disagreed with the restriction policy but many of them have raised concerns about provision of alternative for commuters and riders who were affected by the order.
In answering the above question, less than 24 hours after the enforcement of the restriction, Governor Sanwo-Olu ordered the release of 65 buses to immediately begin operations. There are plans for additional 550 buses for the feeder roads. This is to ameliorate the challenge being faced by the residents. Also, the continuation of massive rehabilitation of roads across the state is part of efforts by the government to give the residents a great lease of life.
Corroborating the Governor’s position, the National Publicity Secretary of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Mr. Adejare Adeoye, in a press statement he signed and issued on Monday said: “Sanitising Lagos State and getting rid of these lawless miscreants that have been invading Lagos in droves for many years is a welcome development and good step in the right direction. Many of them hide under the pretense of riding Okada and Keke during the day, while they strategically distribute themselves in inner and exterior parts of Lagos State committing all manners of crimes and untold hardship on residents.
“Security of lives and properties in any part of Nigeria is a business of all citizens of Nigeria, so, undocumented invaders, should not be allowed in any part of the country, as there is serious need for vigilance due to the growing rate of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, thuggery, mindless killings and other criminal activities.
“Many of these guys are invaders, who must be checked and be sent back to wherever they came from. At least, on two occasions, they have shown their true colors, when they went to attack Ejigbo Police Station in Oshodi-Isolo, around 11pm at night, which caused panic in the area. At another time, they went to attack a local government, because a task force official of the local council demanded for the normal levy, which they refused to pay, hence their bike got confiscated, instead of following lawful ways to get the issue resolved, they resulted to lawless act by setting the local government council on fire. This is brutal, crude, mindless, and must be stopped.
“We cannot afford to open our eyes, while these aliens take over the entire Lagos, because if not quickly arrested, we won’t all be able to sleep, as another type of insurgents might spring up, and will be troubling everyone of us in the State. When our lives is threatened by invaders, we must learn to eschew politics of bitterness and stand by the truth.”
Also speaking on the issue, a security expert and President of Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria, Dr. Ona Ekhomu, said the restriction was necessary to bring sanity back to Lagos roads.
He disclosed this during an interview published on Saturday, February 1 edition of The Punch Newspaper.
Ekhomu said, “The ban on okada and keke on some routes in Lagos has some advantages. I think the government has done well in a civil manner by listing the roads where they are to stop plying. Any commercial motorcycle or tricycle rider that is affected should simply look for other routes to ply because it is good to have sanity on the road.
“Those that used to ply Ikorodu road around the Ketu and Mile 12 axis had hitherto constituted nuisance. A society without rules and regulations is a lawless society, so, I think that they should abide by it.”
A governorship candidate in the 2019 governorship election in Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, without any iota of doubt is a passionate Lagosian who wants the best for Lagos State and this is the reason he contested to govern the State on three occasions. Despite the political differences between him and Governor Sanwo-Olu, Gbadamosi hailed Lagos State government for taking a bold step to restrict the operation of the commercial motorcycles.
“There is no doubt in my mind that something needed to be done about the clear and present danger that many Okada & Keke operators had come to constitute to the lives and limbs of Lagosians, as well as their safety and security, with the invasion of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA HQ still fresh in our minds, as well as several recently reported incidents of attempted lynchings by mobs of Okada riders over traffic incidents. To that extent, one must commend the government for making some kind of decision,” he stated in a Facebook post titled “Transport for Lagos PT 2” on Tuesday, February 4.
The icing on the cake is the support by the ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress. Commenting on the restriction, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Seye Oladejo, said people remained the focal point of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
His words: “Let me recall that the law being implemented has been in place for over six years after painstaking efforts by the Lagos State house of assembly to incorporate in-puts from all stakeholders. The gradual implementation of the law is a reflection of the thoughtfulness of the government not to create a shock in the polity.
“While he noted the reasons for the partial ban, it was convenient not to acknowledge the measures put in place by government to stem the impact. May I use this medium to acknowledge and appreciate the voluntary compliance of some operators in line with the laws of the state. We also wish to encourage the riders to take advantage of opportunities offered by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, the Lagos State Vocational Training Institutes, the ministry of women affairs and poverty alleviation, civic engagement etc. The people remain the focal point of the Sanwo-Olu administration while not losing sight of its onerous responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.”
Reading through the views of many people, it is clear to me that this action taken by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is in the best interest of Lagos State and all the residents.
It should however be noted that this is not the first time that Lagos State government will be restricting the operation of commercial motorcycles in the State. Former Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration in 2012 banned Okada in some parts of Lagos due to increase in crimes and high records of accident victims in government hospitals, a move that saw a drastic reduction in crime rate and Okada-related hospital enrolments.
* by Akosile is the Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor.
……Stop Using Governor Oyebanji’s Name” — Orin Ora
…….Ward Fires Warning Over Fasuyi Endorsement
Fresh political tension reportedly erupted in Orin Ora Ward, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, as aggrieved party members and residents allegedly rejected the re-election bid of Senator Cyril Fasuyi over what they described as “three years without visible development.”
The protest mood in the ward was said to have intensified following claims that the senator had repeatedly blamed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for not funding constituency projects and budget allocations.
According to sources within the ward, residents expressed frustration over what they called “unfulfilled promises, lack of empowerment, and absence of meaningful projects” since the senator assumed office.
Political stakeholders in Orin Ora Ward were also said to have rejected alleged attempts to impose Senator Fasuyi on the people ahead of the 2027 elections.
“There is no Sakamaje endorsement here. Orin Ora Ward cannot be forced into supporting any candidate,” a party source reportedly declared.
The stakeholders further warned against dragging the name of Governor Biodun Oyebanji into what they described as “political imposition tactics.”
Residents reportedly insisted that any endorsement must reflect the genuine wishes of the people and not political pressure from powerful interests.
The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, on Friday began the screening of aspirants for various elective positions ahead of its 2027 election primaries, with a member from Ekiti State, Afuye Idowu, filing the first petition, calling for the disqualification of Senator Cyril Fasuyi from the forthcoming Ekiti North Senatorial District primary elections.
The petition, dated May 2, 2026 and addressed to APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, accused Fasuyi — who currently represents Ekiti North Senatorial District in the Senate and is seeking the party’s ticket for a return — of poor legislative performance, violation of the petitioner’s fundamental rights, and instigating his unlawful arrest and imprisonment on false allegations.
The petition was copied to the APC National Secretary, Senator Basiru Ajibola, and the APC Senatorial Primary Elections Screening Committee.
On legislative performance, Idowu said Fasuyi had nothing to show for nearly three years in the Senate. “In the almost three years that Senator Cyril Fasuyi has been a member of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he has not personally sponsored any landmark legislation or bill that will benefit the people of Ekiti North Senatorial District, Ekiti State or Nigeria as a whole.
“He is not reported to have moved any serious motion or made any significant contributions to debates on the floor of the Senate, which implies that the people of Ekiti North Senatorial District do not have a voice of representation in the Senate,” the petitioner stated.
The petitioner also recounted how a public review he conducted in 2025, assessing the performance of past and present National Assembly members, drew a violent response from the senator.
While he said other lawmakers were inspired to better performance by his observations, Fasuyi allegedly took offence and sent thugs to harass him on several occasions.
The situation, according to Idowu, escalated dramatically on the night of July 31, 2025, when he said officers of the Rapid Response Squad RRS of the Ekiti State Police Command arrested him around 9pm at a private residence on the instigation of the senator, and without any prior invitation or notification.
“I was detained and taken before an Ado Ekiti Magistrate Court. Before my arraignment, I was informed that I could be released only if I promised that I would retract my previous statements about the poor performance of Senator Fasuyi and begin to praise him,” he wrote.
When he refused to make such a promise, the RRS officers applied for him to be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS for 14 days while investigations continued.
“The charges against me were subsequently withdrawn based on lack of evidence and I was discharged,” he stated.
Idowu argued that the 2027 elections must produce legislators capable of giving legislative support to the administration’s reform programme.
“An assessment of Senator Cyril Fasuyi during the time he has so far spent as a member of the National Assembly clearly shows that he is completely antithetical to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the ideology of our great Party. A non-performer like him surely does not deserve to be on the ballot as a candidate of our Party in the 2027 elections,” he wrote.
He urged the national chairman to ensure that only competent aspirants are cleared for the senatorial primary election, from which a deserving candidate would emerge for the 2027 contest.
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2027 Politics: Dipo Bamisaye Speaks on Tinubu, Oyebanji, Says Ekiti North Needs Aggressive Development
Engineer Dipo Bamisaye, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a seasoned infrastructure expert, has declared his intention to represent Ekiti North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
In this exclusive interview with Publisher of Newsthumb, Sotayo Olayinka, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye speaks on his political journey, relationship with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, as well as his plans for infrastructure, youth empowerment, agriculture, and security in Ekiti North. He also shares his views on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the future of Nigeria.
Enjoy the interview…
Good afternoon, sir. Can we meet you?
I am Engineer Dipo Bamisaye, a native of Ijesha-Isu in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State. I have been actively involved in politics for about 15 to 18 years.
This is the third time I will be showing interest in representing Ekiti North Senatorial District. I contested in 2018 and also indicated interest in 2022/2023, but at the time, former Governor Kayode Fayemi advised me to step down for Senator Adetunmbi.
I have been a loyal supporter of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu since the days of the Alliance for Democracy while I was working with ExxonMobil. Today, I am a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers.
I have spent over 30 years in the engineering and infrastructure sector, working across virtually every state in Nigeria. I have handled projects in the North, South, South-East, and South-South, especially in rural infrastructure development.
I have also worked with the World Bank Group as a consultant on the FADAMA agricultural programme. Academically and professionally, I have trained in several countries. I studied bridge construction at the University of Florida in the United States, highway transportation in Ohio, mechanized agriculture in Gauteng, South Africa, and water treatment in China and Germany.
All these experiences have prepared me for leadership and service. My desire to contest for the Senate is to complement the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and bring development closer to the people of Ekiti North.
Beyond politics, I run the BO Charity Trust, through which I have supported communities for over 12 years. Even without holding public office, I have facilitated boreholes, transformers, and other community projects because of my passion for helping the people.
“My Love for the People Inspired Me to Join Politics”
As a technocrat and successful businessman, what attracted you to politics?
What attracted me to politics is my passion for service. People around me kept saying, “If you can do all these things without holding office, imagine what you could achieve with a political platform.”
Over the years, I have supported students with JAMB forms and educational assistance. I have also worked closely with political leaders like the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who remains my mentor. Through him, I learned a lot about leadership and governance.
If given the opportunity to serve in the Senate, I will work closely with both the President and the Governor to deliver more dividends of democracy to our people.
“Governor Oyebanji and I Share a Cordial Relationship”
What can you tell us about your relationship with Governor Biodun Oyebanji?
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is someone I hold in very high regard. We have a cordial relationship, and we attended the same institution, Ondo State University, now Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.
I admire his humility and leadership style. During the build-up to his first-term election, when many political actors were still undecided, members of the university alumni association rallied support for him. At the time, I was President of the Alumni Association and also a member of the university council.
We strongly believed in his capacity and worked tirelessly for his emergence. I also discussed extensively with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who supported the project as well.
To further demonstrate our support, I led a group of alumni members who contributed funds to purchase his nomination form — not because he could not afford it, but because we believed in his vision for Ekiti State.
Today, we remain proud of his achievements and hopeful for his second term.
“Ekiti North Needs More Aggressive Development”
There is already an incumbent senator in Ekiti North. What new ideas are you bringing?
The incumbent senator is our brother, and this is not about personalities. However, we believe Ekiti North can do much better. Representation goes beyond lawmaking; it also involves lobbying for development projects and attracting federal presence.
Ekiti North is in dire need of infrastructure development. Many of our roads are in terrible condition. If elected, I will actively engage federal ministries and agencies to ensure projects are facilitated to our communities.
Education is another key area. Many students still travel long distances to write CBT examinations. We intend to facilitate CBT centres across communities in Ekiti North.
Agriculture is also very important because farming remains the backbone of Ekiti’s economy. We plan to introduce modern mechanized farming, support young farmers with equipment, and encourage agro-processing and light manufacturing. For instance, products like cassava and maize can be processed locally into finished products, creating jobs and boosting the economy.
Security is equally critical. Because of our proximity to northern routes, Ekiti faces security threats. We will support efforts toward improved policing and stronger security collaboration to protect our communities.
“Youth Empowerment Will Be a Major Priority”
What is your agenda for youth employment?
Youth empowerment will be one of our top priorities. Agriculture alone can employ thousands of young people if properly modernized.
Government cannot employ everyone, so our focus will be on capacity building, entrepreneurship, and innovation. We plan to introduce “Train the Trainers” programmes, especially in technology and vocational skills.
From my experience working with the World Bank Group, I understand the templates that can help young people become self-reliant and employers of labour within a short period.
“We Are Mobilising Massive Support for President Tinubu”
What role are you playing in support of President Tinubu’s administration?
We are already mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu across the country. I am among those coordinating the “Renewed Hope Engineers,” a platform created to highlight the achievements of the President in infrastructure and development.
By June, we plan to launch activities across the 36 states and the FCT to showcase projects such as rail development, road construction, and other engineering achievements under the administration.
As an engineer, I can confidently say the President is laying foundations that will stand the test of time.
“Student Loan Scheme Is One of Tinubu’s Biggest Achievements”
What achievements of President Tinubu stand out to you most?
One major achievement is the Student Loan Scheme. Many young Nigerians previously lacked access to quality education because of financial constraints. This initiative gives students greater opportunities and independence.
I also believe it will reduce insecurity because many youths previously became vulnerable during elections due to financial hardship.
Another major achievement is infrastructure development, especially road construction. As an engineer, I understand the importance of durable concrete pavement technology being used on major roads today. Though projects may take time, the long-term benefits will be enormous for future generations.
“I Believe in Free and Fair Primaries”
What is your position on allegations of candidate imposition ahead of the primaries?
Governor Oyebanji has made it clear that he is not interested in imposing candidates. His position is simple — if consensus is possible, fine; if not, there should be free and fair primaries.
I strongly believe in democracy and transparent elections. President Tinubu himself has always encouraged fair competition within the party.
“Policies That Benefit Nigerians Deserve Support”
Some people accuse lawmakers of being rubber stamps. What is your view?
If a policy is designed for the benefit of Nigerians, I see nothing wrong in supporting it.
For example, the removal of fuel subsidy was necessary because the system was riddled with corruption. The Student Loan Bill is another important initiative that deserves support because it helps indigent students access education.
If supporting good policies is called “rubber stamping,” then so be it. What matters most is the welfare of Nigerians.
“Nigeria Needs Stronger Community and State Policing”
Lastly, what is your wish for President Tinubu and Nigeria?
My prayer is that God grants President Tinubu wisdom, strength, and good health to continue leading Nigeria.
I also strongly support the idea of state policing and community policing. Security challenges can be addressed more effectively when local communities are actively involved in protecting themselves.
With the right leadership, commitment, and cooperation, I believe Nigeria can achieve greater progress and stability.
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