Ogun Motorcycle riders cry out over alleged extortion by Abeokuta South Government
Hausa motorcycle riders operating in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun state have cried out over alleged extortion by individuals enforcing questionable fees ranging from N7,000 to N15,000.
According to the riders who spoke separately with newsmen, the fees are being collected by Traffic Mayors at the local government under the guise of violation of traffic rules, lack of helmet and number plate, documentation and clearance without transparency or official receipt process.
Recall, Hausa riders operating in the state protested and embarked on strike action over alleged extortion, prompting intervention from union leaders and the Zone 2 Area Commander.
Speaking with newsmen on Thursday, a Union Ticket Producer and Abeokuta South Ticket Monitoring Officer, Akinwale Moruf expressed concern over the development, adding that the situation has led to ethnic tensions, with the Hausa-Fulani community alleging targeted oppression and tribal bias.
Akinwale also alleged that the Local government deployed individuals who go about enforcing the collection of a questionable fee ranging from N7,000 to N15,000 from riders.
He stressed that the development is posing a threat to the goodwill of Governor Dapo Abiodun towards transport workers across the state.
He said “I am compelled to draw urgent attention to a troubling situation affecting motorcycle riders in Abeokuta South Local Government Area because the good life which our governor gave to the good people of the local area are now being disturbed by the local government chairman and his agency.
“Part of the offenses they charged them for are expired helmet, expired mirror, obstruction on the state roads without creating garages for motorbikes. There are no plate numbers when there are no plate numbers in the state for the past 6 months, and they are not even the agencies to regulate the plate numbers
“Through the reported approval of the local government, an agent identified as Nurudeen Olayinka Sanyaolu, popularly known as Betterlife, has deployed individuals who go about enforcing the collection of a questionable fee ranging from N7,000 to N15,000 from riders.
“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.
“More concerning is the ethnic tension this extortion has generated. The Hausa-Fulani (Aboki) 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 the Yoruba riders”, he added.
Akinwale said the development is not just an issue of illegal levies, but one of social justice, unity, and governance accountability, worrying that if left unchecked, it could fuel deeper ethnic divisions and unrest in an already fragile economic environment.
Reacting to the allegation, the Secretary to the Abeokuta South Local Government, Mustapha Kodaolu Olajide said that it is normal for the local government to find the riders for violating traffic rules.
Kodaola said “ The Local government has a bye-law and the Arewa (Hausas) riders must accept the bye-law, that is what is happening and the bye-law says any okada rider operating in Abeokuta South must have his helmet, side mirror, must not drink while driving, and others.
Akinwale however called on the Commissioner for transport , Ogun State Government, the Abeokuta South Local Government leadership, and security agencies to Investigate the activities of Nurudeen Olayinka Sanyaolu and his agents.
