Lekki Residents Call For Immediate Ban On Okada Operations

Lekki Phase One Residents Association (LERA) has called for the immediate ban of the operation of commercial motorcycles (popularly known as Okada) in some parts of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.

Gatekeepers News reports that the residents urged the State government not to wait until June 1 before enforcing the ban in parts of the state.

The Lekki Phase 1 residents made the call at a news conference held to express their grievances over the menace of Okada riders on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the ban of commercial motorcyclists in six local government areas of the state.

The affected areas include Ikeja, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa.

This was in reaction to a recent incident that occurred on Admiralty Way, Lekki, where the death of a Sound Engineer, David Umoh was linked to suspected motorcyclists.

The Chairman of LERA, Yomi Idowu, at the news conference, emphasised the need for the immediate enforcement of the ban.

Idowu said, “We sincerely appreciate and thank the Lagos State Government for being proactive and taking a stand on the total ban of ‘okadas’.

“The government has called for the ban from June 1, but we the residents of Lekki Phase 1, cannot risk the lives of all her residents and have okadas running free in our neighbourhood.

“If you recall, the state government had called for the ban on commercial motorcyclists two years ago, but to our chagrin, this was not properly enforced and soon the menace returned.

“We are, therefore, taking proactive measures and are calling for this ban to commence with immediate effect; we choose to live and say no to okadas on our roads and streets.”

The Chairman said that the association would take every step to ensure that the government law banning okadas from the roads was fully respected and strictly adhered to by all residents.

Idowu, while stressing the importance of street gates, appealed to the Ministry of Transportation to work with the association to maintain, erect and sustain them, for the safety of the residents.

“We also call upon the Ministry of Physical Planning and New Towns Development Authority to carry out raids on incomplete buildings to flush out hoodlums and miscreants that use these places as hideouts,” Idowu said.

The chairman said that security was very important in the society.

“Our lives matter, and we will continue to do our utmost best to ensure the lives and properties of our residents are protected,” Idowu added.

After the news conference, some of the residents took to the streets of Lekki Phase 1 with placards which have inscriptions such as Lekki Phase 1 Says no to Okada; and Let’s take back Lekki Phase 1.