The Ondo State Government has restricted the operation and movement of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, around the Government House axis in Alagbaka, Akure, as part of measures to improve traffic flow and movement within the state capital.
The restriction, which takes effect immediately, also affects tricycle operators around the post office area, who have been directed to relocate from the axis.
The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Transportation, Hon. Muyiwa Ogunyemi, announced the measures on Tuesday during a media chat with journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Akure.
Ogunyemi said Okada riders would only be allowed to operate towards the Police Officers’ Mess, while the route through First Bank, Alagbaka, would terminate around the Teaching Service Commission area.
He warned that the government would no longer tolerate activities capable of obstructing traffic flow, saying the measures were part of efforts to improve the state’s transportation system.
According to him, the government’s objective was to ensure that commuters could move freely without harassment or unnecessary delays and reach their destinations safely and on time.
“We want a situation whereby commuters can have free movement without any intimidation or harassment and be able to get to their destinations at the exact time they propose,” he said.
The Special Adviser said the government would combine sensitization and enlightenment with strict enforcement of traffic regulations.
He urged motorists, Okada riders, tricycle operators, and other road users to comply with traffic laws.
Ogunyemi said the ongoing facelift of Akure, including the flyover project being executed by the Aiyedatiwa administration, required greater discipline in the use of roads and other traffic infrastructure.
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He said it would no longer be business as usual in the use of roads and traffic facilities, warning motorists and other road users to obey traffic lights, road signs, and other regulations.
He also criticized the conversion of designated bus stops and portions of roads into trading spots, workshops and other commercial activities.
“Some people have taken over various bus stops and turned them into business centers, ranging from selling goods to frying akara. Some have even converted sections of the roads into workshops. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Ogunyemi directed commercial transport operators to make proper use of government-designated bus stops, warning that parking or displaying goods on roads would no longer be tolerated.
He also warned Okada riders and tricycle operators against violating traffic lights, saying offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.
He further cautioned road users against obstructing motorists at intersections where vehicles were legally permitted to turn on red, describing such obstruction as an offence.
On complaints over the scarcity of vehicle registration number plates in the state, Ogunyemi said the government had resolved the problem.
He explained that the temporary challenge was linked to efforts to strengthen the security features of the plates and prevent the production of unauthorised number plates.
According to him, the state government was working with the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service and a consultant engaged by the government to improve the vehicle registration process.
“We are strengthening the security features associated with vehicle registration plates, and that was what led to the temporary challenge. The issue has now been resolved, and going forward, anyone who applies for a number plate will receive it promptly,” he said.
Ogunyemi said the government was concerned about the security implications of unauthorised number plates being produced at locations such as Arakale and other parts of the metropolis.
He added that the government would introduce more road safety infrastructure, including zebra crossings and speed-limit signs, particularly around schools and other areas considered prone to accidents.
He appealed to residents and other road users to cooperate with the government by obeying traffic regulations and protecting infrastructure being provided across the state.
Ogunyemi said the measures were aimed at creating a safer and more efficient transportation system capable of supporting the ongoing infrastructural development of Akure and other parts of Ondo State.