Scores of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, and local revenue collectors sustained varying degrees of injuries on Wednesday morning, October 7, 2026, during violent clashes across several key areas in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
​The unrest broke out around 8:30 AM following escalating tensions over alleged unauthorised multiple levies and double taxation imposed on the riders by ticket collectors claiming to act on behalf of the local government.
​The violence erupted simultaneously across major transit hotspots in the metropolis, including the busy Post Office area, Cathedral Junction, Arakale Road, and near the Governor’s Office along Alagbaka Expressway. What began as verbal exchanges quickly degenerated into physical confrontations as youth groups armed with sticks, iron rods, and stones clashed in public view, forcing shop owners to hurriedly pull down their shutters while pedestrians fled for safety.
​Trouble reportedly peaked when revenue collectors attempted to enforce the purchase of a new emblem priced at over N7,000. Riders voiced frustration over being forced to purchase multiple daily tickets and annual stickers.
​One affected commercial rider, Jimoh Akindele, described the situation as outright exploitation.
​”What they are doing is double taxation. How can they be selling an emblem for riders in Akure South for over N7,000? They send boys to different locations to enforce collection. We were told the money is for Akure South Local Government, but the state government isn’t even aware. We cannot continue like this; enough is enough,” Akindele stated.
​Another rider, who identified himself as Adekunle, noted that operators pay fees in the morning, only for different groups to demand additional charges later in the day. He added that a local security outfit known as “Tiger Base” was being deployed to intimidate and enforce collections from recalcitrant operators.
​Addressing the situation after meeting with protesting riders outside the Government House in Alagbaka, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, explicitly disowned the emblem collection and denied authorising any such revenue exercise.
​”I am the representative of the people of Akure, and I am their voice,” Hon. Fasua said. “They showed me an emblem bearing the name of Akure South Local Government with a fee of over N7,000. I know nothing about it, and not even a dime from these sales has come to the local government account.”
​”I have personally instructed all revenue boys across different spots in the city to hold on and suspend sales immediately while I seek direct clarity from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa,” he added.
​Commercial motorcycle services remained largely suspended across central Akure into Wednesday afternoon, as hundreds of protesting riders marched through major streets demanding state government intervention.
​Police patrols and tactical units from the Ondo State Police Command were subsequently deployed to patrol affected corridors, disperse hostile crowds, and restore calm to the capital. Authorities urged all involved factions to refrain from taking the law into their own hands while investigations into the unauthorised revenue operations continue.
