Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order 002, introducing new operational restrictions for commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada operators, across the state as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve traffic management.
Under the new directive, commercial motorcycle operators are permitted to operate only between 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. daily, effectively prohibiting night-time operations.
The executive order, titled “The Registration and Enforcement of Vehicle Registration and Traffic Management in Oyo State,” was signed by the governor on Friday at his office in Ibadan.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Makinde said the order was aimed at ensuring strict compliance with existing laws on vehicle registration and traffic regulations while addressing emerging security concerns in the state.
According to him, unregistered vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles have increasingly been used in the commission of crimes, making it difficult for security agencies to track offenders due to the absence of identifiable registration details.
The governor explained that the executive order provides a legal framework for the enforcement of vehicle registration requirements and traffic regulations, including sanctions against driving against traffic and other related offences.
Makinde stated that designated enforcement authorities have been empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles, and tricycles found to be in violation of the order. He added that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while seized assets would be handled through established legal procedures.
The governor linked the latest measures to lessons from recent security challenges in the state, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“We are living through very trying times. For over 20 days, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity in the hands of terrorists. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and with their families who continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty,” Makinde said.
He assured residents that the state government remained committed to securing the safe return of the abducted victims and was working closely with security agencies to achieve that objective.
“As a government, we share in their anxiety and their hope, and we remain committed to doing everything within our power to secure the safe return of every one of them,” he added.
Makinde acknowledged the pain being experienced by affected families and communities, stressing that the victims had not been forgotten or abandoned.
While declining to disclose operational details, he said extensive efforts were ongoing behind the scenes and urged residents not to mistake the government’s silence for inaction.
Highlighting one of the key provisions of the executive order, the governor announced that commercial motorcycle operators would no longer be allowed to operate between 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. statewide.
He described the restriction as part of broader efforts to curb criminal activities, enhance surveillance, and improve public safety across communities.
Makinde also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious activities.
“If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said, while reminding residents to use the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615, to report security threats and emergencies.
The governor urged citizens to remain vigilant, united, and resilient despite prevailing security challenges, warning against allowing fear to undermine communal harmony and confidence.
He commended security agencies and personnel of the Amotekun Corps for their dedication, sacrifices, and professionalism in responding to security threats across the state.
Makinde expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among security agencies, community stakeholders, and residents would strengthen security and facilitate the safe rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils.
Earlier, the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said relevant agencies, including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), the Nigeria Police Force, and other law enforcement bodies, would oversee the implementation of the order.
Aikomo added that the agencies would be required to submit periodic reports on enforcement activities to the state government.
He further stated that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would provide oversight on prosecutions arising from the enforcement exercise to ensure transparency and accountability.
According to him, members of the public would also be encouraged to report any misconduct by officials involved in implementing the executive order.
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