Motorcycle riders operating within Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have raised the alarm over what they described as systemic extortion by individuals allegedly empowered by the local government to collect questionable levies.
The riders, popularly known as okada operators, claimed that they are being compelled to pay between ₦7,000 and ₦15,000 under the pretext of documentation and clearance, without any official receipts or transparent process to justify the fees.
Their complaints echo recent unrest in the sector, as Northern riders in the state had earlier protested and embarked on strike action over similar allegations. The tension had prompted intervention from union leaders and the Zone 2 Police Command.
Speaking on the situation, the Abeokuta South Ticket Monitoring Officer and union ticket producer, Akinwale Moruf, said the activities of the agents are not only exploitative but are also stoking ethnic tensions among rider communities.
He alleged that one Nurudeen Olayinka Sanyaolu, popularly known as Betterlife, is leading the extortion through individuals reportedly approved by the local government.
“Through the reported approval of the local government, an agent identified as Nurudeen Olayinka Sanyaolu has deployed individuals who go about enforcing the collection of questionable fees ranging from ₦7,000 to ₦15,000 from riders,” Akinwale said.
“These fees are imposed under the guise of documentation and clearance, yet there is no transparency, standardization, or official receipt process to justify such high and variable amounts,” he added.
Akinwale noted that the development threatens the goodwill of Governor Dapo Abiodun towards transport workers across the state, warning that the situation is fast escalating into a tribal crisis.
“The Hausa-Fulani community has raised strong objections, alleging targeted oppression and tribal bias. This recently culminated in a protest and strike action by Northern riders who believe the government’s actions are favouring Yoruba riders,” he said.
He further described the levy collection as a violation of social justice, governance accountability, and peaceful coexistence, warning that the practice, if left unchecked, could inflame deeper ethnic divisions.
According to him, “The local government is extorting these people under the guise of penalties for obstruction or lack of number plates. It is the state government that is responsible for issuing plate numbers, so why is the local government arresting riders for not having them?
“For the past six months, there has been no availability of plate numbers in Ogun State, so why fine people for something beyond their control?”
Akinwale called on the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, the state government, Abeokuta South Local Government leadership, and relevant security agencies to investigate the activities of Sanyaolu and his agents.
Efforts to get comments from the Abeokuta South Local Government authorities were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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