Several people were injured on Wednesday following a clash between commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, and ticket sellers in Akure, the Ondo State capital, over alleged multiple levies imposed on the operators.
The violence, which erupted in parts of the metropolis, disrupted commercial motorcycle operations as the riders protested what they described as repeated and unauthorised collections.
The dispute was reportedly triggered by the collection of an alleged daily levy through the sale of an "emblem", with some riders accusing the Chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, Gbenga Fasua, of imposing multiple charges on them.
One of the riders, Jimoh Akindele, alleged that ticket sellers were demanding additional payments despite operators having already paid similar levies.
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"We see this as double taxation because we cannot imagine Hon. Fasua selling an emblem for riders in Akure South.
"He claimed it was meant for Akure South Local Government, and they are collecting N7,000 from us as a total package.
"This is totally wrong. He sent boys to move around different locations to collect levies from us. We learnt that the levy is not for the state government, but Akure South Local Government, and the state government is not aware of it. That is why we are saying enough is enough. We cannot take it anymore," he said.
Another rider, who identified himself simply as Adekunle, said the collections had become a burden on operators already struggling with the current economic situation.
"We are not against paying government levies, but there should be transparency. You cannot collect money from us several times for the same purpose.
"We pay in the morning, and another person comes later to demand another ticket. When we ask questions, nobody gives us a satisfactory explanation. They will say it is for Akure South Local Government," he said.
Adekunle also alleged that Fasua was using a local security outfit known as Tiger Base to intimidate Okada riders in Akure.
He appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene before the dispute escalated further, saying the alleged collections had heightened tension between riders and ticket sellers.
However, Fasua denied authorising the controversial levy, insisting that neither he nor the local government authorities were responsible for the emblem being sold to the riders.
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The council chairman said he became aware of the issue after meeting some of the protesters near the Government Office in Akure, where they complained about being asked to purchase another sticker despite having obtained others earlier in the year.
According to him, the riders told him they had already purchased stickers, including one issued during the Ogun Festival period, but were being compelled to obtain a third one.
Fasua said he immediately directed those involved in the sales to suspend the exercise pending clarification from the state government.
"I told them to hold on with these sales. Let's get clarity from Mr Governor. I subsequently went to about two other spots and told them to hold on with these sales until we get clarity from the Governor.
"I am the representative of the people of Akure. I was voted for, and of course, I am their voice. That was why I said, let me speak with the Governor about it," he said.
Responding to allegations that the emblem originated from his office, Fasua said the use of the local government's name on the document did not mean it had official approval.
"Where the issue lies is that they wrote the name of my local government on it, but it does not come from me.
"When they showed me the ones they had taken, the first one for the year and the second one, they were using the name of my local government to generate funds. I know nothing about it, and not even a dime has come to the local government," he said.
The chairman urged all parties to avoid actions capable of undermining peace in the state capital.
