Commercial motorcyclists under the Riders and Owners of Motorcycles Organisation (ROMO) in Ogun State have strongly condemned the suspension of their activities in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, following protests against a newly introduced revenue ticket.
The Chairman of ROMO in Ogun State, Sotayo Rasak, popularly known as Sholebo, described the action by the local government chairman, Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, as unfair and exploitative. He called on the Ogun State Government to urgently intervene.
The controversy began after Oyegbola-Sodipo introduced a new “Riders Insurance Ticket,” requiring commercial motorcyclists to pay an additional N300 daily. The move led to protests by the riders, prompting the council chairman to suspend all commercial motorcycle activities in the area.
In a statement signed by ROMO’s secretary, Sholola Olamilekan, the group argued that its members already pay official dues to the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) and other recognised unions. They described the new charge as “double taxation” and an added burden on riders already struggling under harsh economic conditions.
“The decision to suspend Okada operations because of resistance to an unfair levy is unacceptable,” the group said. “We urge Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Commissioner for Transportation to step in before the situation escalates.”
However, in a joint press conference, Oyegbola-Sodipo defended the new policy, saying it was part of a health insurance scheme to protect riders and passengers in case of accidents. He said the initiative had already helped over 2,000 elderly and low-income residents across Abeokuta North and South over the past two years.
The chairman added that the project is not exploitative, noting that even if a rider pays for just one day, they will still enjoy a full year of coverage if an accident occurs.
Despite the explanation, many riders remain unconvinced and are demanding the immediate reversal of the suspension and cancellation of the daily levy. Tensions continue to rise as stakeholders await the state government’s response.
