Public Outcry Trails Sapele Council’s Restriction On Okada, Keke Operators

By Endurance Ikanone

Residents of Sapele have expressed outrage over a new policy by the Sapele Local Government Council restricting the operation hours of commercial motorcyclists (Okada) and tricyclists (Keke), describing the directive as “anti-people” and a move that will worsen the already harsh economic conditions in the LGA.

The directive, contained in a Security Circular Notice dated October 6, 2025, and issued by the council under the leadership of Hon Bright Abeke, seeks to regulate transport operations within the metropolis.

According to the circular, Okada riders are allowed to operate only between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., while Keke operators can run from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. It further mandates Okada riders to wear reflective vests with area codes, while Keke operators must display valid Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) numbers. Any violator, the notice warns, will have their Okada and Tricycle impounded for seven days.

The council said the move was aimed at maintaining peace, order, and effective transportation management, but residents say it will bring more hardship and expose them to possible exploitation by overzealous security personnel.

A youth advocate, Comrade Utseoritselaju Ayo, in a post on his Facebook page, faulted the directive, describing it as “draconian” and “insensitive to the plight of the poor.”

“This law will bring hunger and extortion to the struggling masses,” he wrote. “Many people in Sapele close from work late. How do they get home when Okada and Keke are stopped from operating by 10 p.m.? During emergencies, what will people without cars do?”

Several residents who spoke to newsmen share the same concern, warning that the new rule would not only affect late-hour business activities but could also lead to extortion by some security operatives charged with enforcing it.

“We fear this law will be used to exploit innocent riders and passengers,” a trader at Olympia Market said. “Instead of helping, it may make life harder for everyone.”

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With the directive set to take full effect on November 5, residents are appealing to Hon Bright Abeke to review the policy, insisting that while maintaining order is important, such laws must not come at the expense of the people’s welfare.