society
WHY THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT BAN ON OKADA IS IN OUR COLLECTIVE INTEREST
WHY THE LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT BAN ON OKADA IS IN OUR COLLECTIVE INTEREST
When the Lagos state government announced a total ban on the activities of commercial motorcycles (okada) operations as a means of public transportation in six local government councils and nine local councils development areas to take effect from the 1st of June 2022, Lagosians received the good news though long overdue with mixed feelings bordering on concerns about the enforcement of the Lagos state transport sector reform law (2018) for the umpteenth time.
The announcement of this ban by the state government came at a time the citizenry apprehension about okada threat to public safety and security of life and property occasioned by the security challenges in the country had reached the crescendo. The ban was widely applauded and commended across all segments of the society as a necessary response of a listening government to the concerns and aspirations of its people for whom it exists to serve.
Recall that in 2006, the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the restriction of okadas operations in the state between 7pm and 6am due to the security threat of a spike in armed robbery operations. In 2012, the administration of Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) enacted the Lagos state traffic law (2012) to regulate the activities of commercial motorcyclists (okada) as a means of public transportation because of its menace to the security of life and property of Lagosians. The law prohibited the activities of okada on major highways, bridges and designated roads.
The enforcement of the Lagos state traffic law (2012) under former Governor Fashola was largely successful and brought huge relief to the citizenry who were groaning under the tyranny of the okada riders on the roads, though opposition to the law persisted from expected quarters, who claimed that the crime rate will spike as those who would have lost their means of livelihood by this restriction, will have no option but to take to crime.
But contrarily, available statistics obtained from relevant agencies after the enforcement of the law, revealed that crime rate dropped drastically, same for okada related accidents and fatalities as well as sanity being restored to the roads which had become chaotic due to the recklessness and lawlessness of the okada riders who had no regards for traffic laws, as they rode against traffic and knocked down pedestrians at will, injuring, maiming or killing them, flouted the law by carrying more than the officially allowed 1 passenger, disregarded the wearing of safety helmets for themselves and the passenger, mounted sound systems with loud speakers on okada and sadly, a lot of the okadas were not registered and the riders unqualified to ride which contributed in no small measure to the high rates of accidents on the road.
Actually, the Lord be your Savior, if as a motorist you are involved in an accident with an okada operator, whether you are innocent or guilty, they will pounce on you and you will be lucky if you are not molested, beaten, injured and your vehicle not burnt by an army of okadas riders who have turned into a mob. Infact their terrorism on the roads as a threat to law and order at all times is unparalleled as they attack, injure and even kill law enforcement agencies operatives in the course of their official function, statistics and data abound to corroborate this assertion.
The state government organized several stakeholders engagement to review the Lagos state traffic law (2012) and at one of the summit, several persons and groups came up with presentations commending the state government for the bold step of enacting the law which had succeeded in reducing avoidable accidents and deaths on the roads, reduced crime rate enabled by okada, restored sanity to the traffic situation and even forced young men back to the farms from environments far from Lagos as attested to by participants, for example, an elder statesman from one of the North Central zone states, stated that before the enactment and enforcement of the law, youths from his part of the country (Kogi) were trooping into Lagos like droves on a daily basis to make quick money by riding okada between Ikorodu and Mile 12, and abandoning acquiring education, vocational skills and working on the farms. He narrated sadly, how before the enforcement of the law, that at least on a daily basis, 3 or 4 corpses of the okada riding youths were returned to the villages to be buried, but that since the enforcement of the law in the past 9 months then, they had yet to record a death and are happy that the youths are returning back to the villages to continue with life devoid of the hazards that come with riding okada to earn quick money that comes with injuries, partial or permanent disability or even death as a result of okada crashes.
However since the enactment of the Lagos state traffic law in 2012 till date, a lot of water has passed under the bridge to the extent that the law was reviewed and amended to become the Lagos State transport sector reform law (2018). While the law remained in force, the enforcement in 2020 had to contend with several obstacles which included covid-19 outbreak, EndSARS protest of 2020 among others. In the midst of all these developments, states from across the six geopolitical zones like Enugu, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Edo, Zamfara, Kaduna, Cross River, Borno among several others continued to ban the operations of okada as a means of public transportation because of safety and security concerns. Infact, in July 2022, the Federal government after a National Security Council (NSC) meeting, came out with a hint on the possibility of a nationwide ban of okada so as to cut off the sources of funds of terrorists and bandits.
Thus, in deference to the loud calls from Lagosians for a total ban of okada in the state in view of security concerns and an examination of the phased ban in six local government councils and nine local council development areas, the Lagos state government convoked a stakeholders summit to review the ban in the aforementioned LG’s/LCDA’s and chart the way forward.
At the summit which held on Tuesday August 16th 2022 and was well attended by stakeholders from the academia, youths, community leaders, traditional and religious leaders, artisans, civil society organizations, persons living with disability, security and traffic management agencies personnel, the media among several others, the resolution at the end of the summit was a unanimous call for a total ban on okada as a means of public transportation in the state after presentations from stakeholders which was intellectually driven.
Major highlights of the summit were presentations by experts which revealed an 86% reduction in crime rate and a 63.7% decline in okada related accidents and reduction in the admission and treatment of okada related accidents patients at public health institutions since the ban took off on June 1 2022 compared to the statistics for May 2022 and before. The threat to public safety and security of life and property, the lack of documentation, identification, nationality and place of abode of the okada riders were highlighted as a major cause of societal concern because of the nature of the business. Also, the large army of our youths who no longer want to acquire education or vocational skills to carry out artisan jobs but have taken to the quick money of riding okada, has necessitated the influx of foreigners from Benin Republic, Togo, etc for our masons, bricklayers, tillers, plumbers, etc needs, is a threat to our security and future. The threat of food security is real as our youths have abandoned the farms for the quick money of okada business which has resulted in untimely deaths and physical disability as a result of okada crashes and so should be a source of concern for any society that has an eye on the future.
Again, we are not unconscious of the arguments from the opposition to the law by those who assume and claim that a total ban on okada will deprive the operators of their means of livelihood and spike the crime rate, but unfortunately for this school of thought, modern societies are run on the basis of information and evidence gathering and not assumptions and claims not backed by verifiable evidence. The statistics and facts gathered from the field by experts, researchers and statutory agencies, point in the opposite direction even in 2022 as it did in 2012 and so their arguments in the face of available data, statistics and fact does not hold water and should be discountenanced.
Most importantly, the threat to our humanity posed by okada induced increasing crime rate, crashes and jungle justice mentality of attacking, injuring and even killing their passengers over dispute in fares as attested to by the death of a sound engineer in the Lekki axis of Lagos in May 2022, unleashing mayhem on the roads whenever one of them is involved in an accident, disregard for public and personal safety by not wearing helmets, nor provide for their passenger, knocking down pedestrians at will by riding against traffic in utter disobedience to traffic rules and regulation, attacks and killing of security operatives such as the death of CSP Kazeem Abonde the operations officer of the Nigeria police force Lagos state command who was killed at Ajao estate of Lagos state for the crime of performing his statutory function of enforcing the law in September 2021, etc. The environmental hazard caused by the noise and air pollution of okada is a threat to our human existence. We can go on and on about the tyranny and threat to our existence by okada as a cancer which must be addressed frontally.
Based on the above analysis of the pros and cons of okada ban, it is indisputably clear that the announcement by the Lagos state government on Thursday 18th August 2022 of the extension of the ban on okada in four local government councils and five local council development areas to take effect from September 1 2022, is a responsible response to the democratic wishes of Lagosians by a government that places premium on its primary responsibility of securing the life and property of its citizens and its obvious to all and sundry that this ban though in phases, is in our collective interest for our tomorrow which is a collective responsibility.
God bless Lagos State,
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thanks.
Yours Sincerely,
Ajadi, Sheikh Sannu Sheu Charge Politicians on Good Governance
The Oyo State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has emphasised the need for politicians to embrace good governance and people-oriented leadership as a fundamental principle of politics in Nigeria.
Ajadi made this call on Friday, shortly after the 4th Annual Ramadan Lecture, organised under his Omituntun 3.0 platform at the BCOS Garden, Bashorun, Ibadan, where he spoke with journalists on the significance of the lecture, themed “Oselurere” (Good Governance).
The well-attended event featured a lecture by a renowned Islamic scholar, Fadheelatus-Sheikh Al-Mufasir Usman Sannu Sheu, the Chief Tafseer of Ilorin Emirate, Al-Adaby, who spoke extensively on the Islamic and socio-political perspectives of good governance, stressing that leadership must be anchored on justice, accountability, and service to humanity.
Speaking after the event, Ajadi explained that the choice of Oselurere as the theme for this year’s lecture was deliberate, noting that it was necessary to educate both current and aspiring politicians on the true essence of politics as service to the people.
According to him, the practice of good politics must be properly understood from both religious and socio-political viewpoints so that the coming generation of leaders can develop the right character for public service.
He said: “Oselurere, which means good governance, was carefully chosen as the topic so we can hear from our guest lecturer about the rewards of practising good politics and also understand what good politics is all about.”
He added that the lecture was also intended to correct the mindset of politicians who seek public office without clear plans to improve the lives of the people.
“The topic is also chosen so that politicians will learn that they should not just assume office without having good things in mind to offer the masses and our nation. That is why we invited our Islamic and renowned scholar, Sannu Sheu, to treat this important subject,” he said.
Reflecting on the history of the annual lecture, Ajadi disclosed that the first three editions were held in Ogun State, where the focus was on humanitarian services and feeding programmes during Ramadan as a way of demonstrating compassion and service to humanity.
The first to third Ramadan lectures hosted by me were held in Ogun State for Muslims and people of other faiths to witness how good it is to feed people and render humanitarian services. The month of Ramadan is one of the best periods to demonstrate these virtues, and that is why I have come to my father’s state of origin, Oyo State, to continue the humanitarian services,” he said.
He further called on Nigerians to use the Ramadan and Lenten periods as opportunities for spiritual rebirth, unity, and prayers for the nation.
“Let us use this period of Ramadan and Lent to learn how to live together in peace, remain united, and be prayerful for our country,” Ajadi advised.
The PDP gubernatorial aspirant also expressed optimism about the electoral fortunes of his party in future elections, saying he believes the PDP will record victories at different levels.
“By the grace of God, our great party will be on the ballot and there will be total victory in the various political offices our candidates will contest for,” he added.
In his lecture, Sheikh Sannu Sheu emphasised that good governance is not only a political obligation but also a moral and religious responsibility. He said Islam places a high premium on leaders who are just, trustworthy, and committed to the welfare of their followers.
The cleric explained that the concept of Oselurere goes beyond political promises, stressing that it includes fairness, transparency, accountability, and prioritising the needs of the weak and vulnerable in society.
He urged leaders at all levels to see their positions as a trust (Amanah) from God and the people, warning that they would be held accountable for how they exercise authority.
The scholar also encouraged citizens to support leaders with prayers and constructive engagement while also holding them accountable through lawful means.
The event attracted Islamic clerics, political stakeholders, community leaders, party members, and residents of Ibadan and its environs. It also featured Qur’anic recitations, special prayers for Oyo State and Nigeria, as well as spiritual musical performances by notable Islamic artistes.
Some of the political stalwarts who graced the occasion included the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government and Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele; the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun; and Chief Babatunde Tijani, popularly known as “Double T,” a prominent political figure and Olori-Ebi of the Omituntun Dynasty, among other political leaders.
Observers noted that the annual Ramadan Lecture has continued to grow in prominence, serving as a platform for discussing the intersection between faith, governance, and societal development while also promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different religious and political backgrounds.
society
Nigeria on the Edge: Rising Violence, Economic Hardship and Weak Institutions Fuel Fears of State Failure
Nigeria on the Edge: Rising Violence, Economic Hardship and Weak Institutions Fuel Fears of State Failure
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“A leading political scientist raises alarm over rising insecurity, weakening institutions, and economic policies that are deepening hardship for millions of Nigerians.”
Nigeria is facing a growing national crisis as insecurity spreads, democratic institutions weaken, and economic policies continue to deepen hardship for millions of citizens. The country is increasingly confronted with a dangerous convergence of political repression, worsening insecurity, and economic instability that many analysts warn could push the state toward systemic failure if urgent corrective actions are not taken.
Across the country, violence is spreading while government institutions that should safeguard democracy appear to be struggling to maintain credibility and independence. At the same time, economic reforms intended to stabilize the nation’s finances have imposed significant burdens on ordinary Nigerians already grappling with rising living costs.
Nigeria is currently confronting simultaneous challenges on several fronts. Insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues threatening national stability.
The insurgency led by Boko Haram and its splinter faction Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has persisted for more than a decade. Since the insurgency began in 2009, the conflict has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced over two million civilians in northeastern Nigeria.
Recent reports indicate that attacks on military formations have intensified, particularly around Maiduguri. Militants have continued to target security forces and civilian populations, raising fears that insurgent groups are attempting to strengthen their control in parts of the northeast.
Meanwhile, banditry and organized criminal networks have expanded across Nigeria’s northwest and north-central regions. Armed groups operate across territories stretching from Sokoto and Zamfara toward Niger and Kwara states, carrying out kidnappings, attacks on rural communities, and large-scale destruction of property.
States such as Borno, Zamfara, Sokoto, Benue, and Plateau continue to experience recurring violence, with communities frequently caught between insurgents, bandits, and overstretched security forces.
Beyond the security crisis, concerns are also mounting over the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The judiciary, once widely regarded as a critical pillar of the country’s democracy, is increasingly perceived by critics as being vulnerable to political influence. Questions about judicial independence have intensified as legal decisions in politically sensitive cases continue to spark controversy.
Similarly, the role of the police has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that law enforcement agencies often focus heavily on protecting political elites and high-profile individuals while many communities remain exposed to crime and insecurity.
Such developments have fueled public debate about the strength of Nigeria’s institutional framework and its ability to uphold justice, accountability, and democratic governance.
At the same time, Nigeria’s economic situation continues to generate widespread public concern.
Economic reforms implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the national currency in 2023, were designed to stabilize public finances and attract investment. However, these policies have also contributed to a sharp rise in living costs.
Inflation, currency volatility, and increasing energy prices have significantly reduced the purchasing power of many Nigerian households. Electricity tariffs and various taxes have increased, placing additional pressure on citizens whose incomes have not kept pace with rising expenses.
While international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund have praised Nigeria’s macroeconomic reforms, many Nigerians argue that the benefits of these policies have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
The agricultural sector provides a clear example of the difficulties currently facing the economy.
Nigeria spent roughly ₦51 billion on rice imports in 2024, signaling a reversal of earlier efforts aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in rice production. Rising production costs, expensive energy, and limited access to affordable financing have forced many farmers to abandon rice cultivation.
Farmers in major agricultural states such as Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa are reportedly exiting rice production due to mounting losses. At the same time, local rice mills that once flourished are struggling to compete with cheaper imported rice.
Industry leaders have warned that Nigeria’s rice value chain could face serious collapse if current conditions persist. Many mills are now operating far below capacity, with high fuel costs and interest rates making it difficult to sustain operations.
Political tensions are also beginning to rise as the country gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections.
Observers warn that the normalization of political intimidation or violence could weaken democratic competition. History shows that democracies rarely collapse suddenly; instead, they erode gradually as intimidation, coercion, and reprisals become more common in political life.
If such trends continue, elections may still take place formally while the deeper democratic meaning of political participation becomes diminished.
Nigeria now faces what many observers describe as a defining moment in its modern history. The combination of insecurity, economic hardship, and institutional fragility presents serious challenges that require decisive leadership and comprehensive policy responses.
Strengthening democratic institutions, improving security coordination, and implementing economic policies that genuinely improve citizens’ living conditions will be essential to stabilizing the country.
Without meaningful reforms and renewed commitment to accountable governance, Nigeria risks drifting closer to a scenario that many citizens fear—a nation struggling to protect its people, sustain its economy, and preserve the democratic ideals upon which its republic was built.
U.S. Places $10 Million Bounty on Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“Washington Escalates Pressure on Tehran’s Leadership Amid Intensifying Middle East Tensions.”
The United States government has announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in a move widely interpreted as a significant escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran. The development comes amid an already volatile geopolitical environment in the Middle East, where hostilities involving Iran and its regional adversaries have intensified in recent weeks.
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On Friday, March 13, 2026, the U.S. State Department made the announcement through its “Rewards for Justice” programme, a long-standing initiative designed to encourage individuals around the world to provide information that helps the United States identify, track, and disrupt individuals linked to international terrorism or threats to global security. Under the programme, individuals who supply credible and actionable intelligence could receive financial compensation and, in some cases, relocation assistance to ensure their safety.
According to U.S. officials, the reward specifically targets information related to Mojtaba Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials believed to be connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful military and political force within Iran. The United States has designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation, accusing it of coordinating militant networks across the Middle East and supporting groups involved in attacks against American interests and allies.
Officials in Washington argue that the bounty is part of a broader effort to increase pressure on Iran’s leadership structure, particularly at a time when tensions between Iran and Western powers are reaching dangerous levels. U.S. authorities maintain that identifying and tracking individuals involved in international militant activities remains essential to safeguarding global security and preventing further escalation in the region.
The development also follows a dramatic shift in Iran’s leadership earlier this year. Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly assumed the role of Supreme Leader in March 2026 following the death of his father. Ali Khamenei, who served as Iran’s Supreme Leader for more than three decades, was reportedly killed during joint U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026, an operation that marked one of the most significant confrontations between Iran and its adversaries in recent history.
Although the circumstances surrounding the elder Khamenei’s death remain contested in some quarters, the event has undeniably reshaped Iran’s political and religious leadership. The rise of Mojtaba Khamenei to the country’s highest authority has drawn international attention, partly because of his relatively limited public political profile compared with other senior Iranian figures.
Reports from various international sources suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei himself may have sustained injuries during the same wave of attacks that claimed his father’s life. Since assuming the leadership role, he has rarely appeared in public, choosing instead to communicate through written statements or messages delivered by intermediaries. This limited visibility has fueled speculation about his health, security arrangements, and the internal dynamics of Iran’s ruling establishment.
Analysts say the United States’ decision to offer a financial reward for information about Iran’s new Supreme Leader is likely to heighten diplomatic tensions and provoke strong reactions from Tehran. Iranian officials have historically condemned similar measures as violations of international norms and evidence of hostile intent by Western powers.
At the same time, the move underscores the increasingly confrontational posture adopted by Washington as geopolitical rivalries intensify across the Middle East. Security experts note that the region is already grappling with multiple flashpoints, including proxy conflicts, maritime security threats, and growing competition for strategic influence.
For many observers, the bounty announcement also highlights the information war that often accompanies military and political confrontations. In periods of heightened conflict, intelligence gathering, psychological operations, and strategic messaging frequently become as significant as traditional military engagements.
Critics of the U.S. decision warn that publicly offering a bounty on the head of a sitting national leader could further destabilise an already fragile regional environment. They argue that such actions risk escalating hostilities and complicating diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Iran and Western governments.
Supporters of the move, however, contend that the measure is intended to disrupt networks linked to militant activities and demonstrate Washington’s determination to confront perceived threats emanating from Iran’s leadership circles.
As the geopolitical contest between the United States and Iran continues to evolve, the announcement of the $10 million bounty represents another chapter in a long-running confrontation that has shaped Middle Eastern politics for decades. Whether the move will yield actionable intelligence or simply deepen the rift between the two nations remains uncertain.
What is clear, however, is that the stakes in the region are rising, and decisions taken by global powers in the coming months could significantly influence the trajectory of security and stability across the Middle East.
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