‘Okada, Keke’ ban: Auto dealer wants Lagos to provide alternatives

A South Africa based Nigerian entrepreneur, Adeshina Jelili Oladipupo,  has appealed to the Lagos State  government to come up with  alternatives for riders and millions of Lagosians now adversely affected by the restriction slammed on the operations of motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke) in some parts of the state.

Oladipupo, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Aremo Oba Autos, an auto company, while reacting to the ‘ban’, said that the state government should have limited the restriction of the Okada and Keke to expressways and major roads, and allow the operators to continue their business in all inner roads.

According to him,  millions of commuters have over the years  identified with Okada and Keke as the fastest means of reaching their destinations given the gridlock in the city of Lagos.

“I would suggest the Lagos State government should restrict the ban to express roads and allow it on streets as some see this as the fastest means of transportation in the state.

“Also, in terms of people who already invested in that area of business, it would be nice if the government can also provide more means of livelihood to its citizens,” he said.

The state government efffective Saturday, February 1, 2020 slammed a restriction order on the operations of Okada and Keke within the city metropolis, citing increasing accidents, insecurity and loss of lives as the major reasons.

The action has led to loss of jobs and means of livelihood for the operators while millions of commuters who, hitherto, depended on the two means of transportation, are seen daily stranded on major roads, as available commercial buses and taxi cabs are inadequate.

Consequently, many have called on the government to  review the restriction in view of the hardship being experienced by the people.

However, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said last week that there was no going back on the decision taken by the government.