.....urges govt intervention
The Chairman of the Riders and Owners of Motorcycles Organisation (ROMO) in Ogun State, Alhaji Sotayo Olusola Rasak, popularly known as Sholebo, has condemned the decision of the Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo, to suspend commercial motorcycle operations in the council area following protests against the introduction of a new revenue ticket.
Sholebo in a statement in Abeokuta on Tuesday described the suspension as “ill-advised and counterproductive”, stressing that it unfairly punishes hardworking riders who are already burdened by the harsh economic climate.
The ROMO boss also called on the State Government to urgently intervene in what he described as an “unlawful and exploitative revenue scheme” through the introduction of a “Riders Insurance Ticket” by LGA.
Sodipo recently introduced a new revenue ticket for commercial motorcyclists and has been compelling them to pay for it, despite the fact that riders have already purchased the official Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) tickets through ROMO and other recognised transport unions.
The council’s controversial “Abeokuta Riders Insurance Project” ticket imposes a N300 daily fee on commercial motorcyclists, in addition to the official OGIRS daily tickets already paid through ROMO and other recognised transport unions.
Announcing the suspension of all commercial activities of commercial motorcycle operators' unions, the Sodipo in a statement by his Chief of Staff, Oluwakayode Ajibola said "This suspension affects all associations, including ROMO, ACCOMORAN, and AMORAN."
According to Sodipo, no tickets are to be sold or collected from any Okada rider in Abeokuta North until further directive is issued.
But reacting to the suspension, the ROMO boss argued that the new ticket amounted to double taxation and violated the harmonized revenue policy of the state.
He urged the State Government, particularly the Commissioner for Transportation, to urgently intervene to reverse both the suspension and the new ticket policy before the situation escalates further.
“The decision to suspend commercial motorcycle operations because riders resisted an unjust ticket is unacceptable. Our members are already paying the official Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) tickets through ROMO and other transport unions. Introducing an additional N300 daily levy under the so-called ‘Abeokuta Riders Insurance Project’ amounts to double taxation.
“We are appealing to the Commissioner for Transportation and His Excellency Governor, Dapo Abiodun to urgently wade into this matter. If nothing is done, the situation could degenerate into a breakdown of law and order, which we do not want,” he warned.
Sholebo maintained that ROMO remained committed to supporting government initiatives that promote order and safety in the transport sector, but warned against policies that impose undue hardship on riders and their families.
"Our members are law-abiding citizens who have always complied with the state government’s revenue policies. This sudden, unauthorised ticket is not only unfair but could lead to unnecessary unrest if not addressed immediately.
“We stand with the government when it comes to initiatives that ensure discipline, safety, and compliance in our operations. But we will not keep quiet when our members are subjected to unfair and unlawful levies that threaten their livelihoods,” he said.
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