Encomium
‘It’s politically motivated’
Oyo governor, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi has rubbished the tale that his administration has stopped the operation of motorcycles popularly known as okada on major roads in the ancient city of Ibadan, the capital of the state. He added that it lacked merit.
He further described the tale as not only baseless but politically motivated, aimed at causing unnecessary apprehension among the good people of the pacesetter state. Speaking with ENCOMIUM Weekly on Friday, September 6, 2013, via his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Festus Adedayo, the astute politician expressed discomfort about the tale, labeling those sponsoring it as unscrupulous elements, looking for a fraudulent means of discrediting his people oriented government.
He, therefore, enjoined the okada riders in the city and the state as a whole to continue with their legitimate trade, and disregard the rumour.
“It’s just unnecessary rumour, my brother. We’re not banning okada from operating on any road in Ibadan. It’s politically motivated to cause disaffection between the people and the governor. We don’t have any reason to do that. So, it’s baseless. You’re free to come to Ibadan and make your findings. You don’t have to rely on what some disgruntled elements are sponsoring.
However, one of the motorcyclists plying Monitan-Iwo road, Mr. Mukaila Sanusi Kajewole told ENCOMIUM Weekly that there was a move by the state government to ban okada from operating on the express and high ways as it is in Lagos State, but was reconsidered.
“It was just a move but it wasn’t effected. I learnt some of our members met with the government about that. Since then, nobody has threatened us. We pray such a thing doesn’t happen here in Ibadan”.
– TADE ASIFAT
