Okada riders express concerns over Lagos Ministry of Transportation’s actions
On Monday, October 14, the Motorcycle Operators’ Union of Nigeria (MOUN) in Lagos raised alarm about what they believe is a disregard for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directives by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
They claim this situation involves the recognition and certification of their union for operation in the state.
To prevent any potential issues, the union, represented by their lawyer from Jiti Ogunye Chambers, is calling for immediate action from the Lagos State government to restore peace.
During a press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos, lawyer Jiti Ogunye and MOUN Chairman Taiwo Adetunji spoke about the concerns. Ogunye accused some officials in the Ministry of Transportation of undermining the governor’s authority by working with outside interests to take over the union.
“We are here to inform you about a threat to take over our union’s structure in Lagos State,” Ogunye said. “We are seeking justice and urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to help us correct this situation.”
He explained that a petition was submitted to the governor on April 26, 2024, requesting that MOUN be officially recognized as the sole motorcycle operators’ union in Lagos. This petition was also sent to the state’s Attorney-General and the Commissioner for Transportation. Although the governor had approved MOUN’s recognition, Ogunye claimed some officials in the Ministry of Transportation acted against the governor’s wishes by transferring the union’s operations to the Oniba of Iba, Oba Suleiman Adesina Raji Asade, who is affiliated with another motorcycle riders’ group.
“There is no dispute within MOUN regarding our recognition,” Ogunye clarified. “The Oniba of Iba is not part of MOUN, and his involvement is an attempt to wrongfully take control of our union.”
He criticized the ministry’s actions as illegal and a violation of the rights of MOUN’s members to peacefully assemble and associate, as protected by Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution. Ogunye called for accountability for the officials involved and urged the governor to take disciplinary action against them.
MOUN made several demands, including the cancellation of any incorrect recognition given to non-members and the proper implementation of the governor’s approval for their operations. They also requested a meeting with stakeholders to discuss issues between MOUN and other motorcycle operator associations in Lagos.
As of the time of this report, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi and Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation Sola Giwa had not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
