26th November, 2010
Commercial motorcycle operators popularly called Okada riders, have returned to Ojota-Ketu axis of Ikorodu Road, Lagos State, Nigeria, for their business and this is done with impunity while the men of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade watch helplessly.
It is gathered that the motorcyclists always line up on the medians, while they cause obstruction most times.
Investigation carried out by Lagos Bulletin revealed that the riders have always defiled government’s orders, especially the one banning them from riding on the highways.
They also contravene the order banning them from carrying two passengers and riding without the use of crash helmet.
An okada rider, who did not want his name mentioned, told Lagos Bulletin that said it is easy for them to get passengers on the expressway because they are reluctant to use the foot bridge but rather prefer to cross the expressway and board bikes to their destinations.
Efforts to speak with the officials of KAI stationed at Ojota proved abortive as none of them was willing to comment on the development.
However, a motorist, Mr. Bewaji, blamed the state government for making a law and not enforce it.
According to him, “when the men of the Task Force were here, nobody among them dared use the median as their park, but immediately they ceased to come, both motorcyclists and their passengers returned to the place.
“I pray that the state government brings them to restore sanity because activities of okada riders have caused several accidents on this road,†he stated.
Apart from motorcyclists who have turned the medians to their park, it was also observed that many pedestrians are not making use of the foot bridge and prefer crossing the highway instead.
This, motorists say, also contribute to traffic gridlock around the axis.