Three months after Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, banned commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada from operating in six local governments including Apapa; a large number of the riders have returned to the port city, carrying out their businesses unhindered.
Sanwo-Olu had on May 18 announced the “indefinite and total” ban on the operation of okada riders in six local government areas of the state. The local government areas are Ikeja, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa. He said the ban would enter into force on June 1.
In Apapa, the commercial motorcycles, which are believed to be used by criminal elements to commit robbery and other nefarious acts in the state, disappeared for some days after the ban came into effect.
However, during a visit to Apapa and Tin Can Island ports – both in Apapa – on Wednesday, the motorcyclists were seen operating in their large numbers with impunity.
Some of the motorcyclists said they paid bribes to law enforcement personnel to look the other way while they did brisk business.
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