“Ban okada riders, wheelbarrow pushers, beggars” — Primate Ayodele tells Lagos State Governor
A Nigerian cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a strong security warning to the government of Lagos State, calling for a sweeping ban on commercial motorcycle operators, known as Okada riders, alongside other informal street activities.
“This is a very security alert”
Speaking in a video message, he began with a direct warning to authorities, saying: “This is a very security alert for Lagos State Government.”
He urged immediate action, insisting that insecurity risks must not be ignored.
Repeated call for okada ban
Primate Ayodele repeatedly demanded a total ban on Okada operations across the state, stressing: “Ban Okada. Lagos State should ban Okada Riders.”
He added: “In all spheres of Lagos State, let them ban Okada Riders.”
Warning of potential consequences, he said: “If we don’t ban Okada Riders, Okada Riders will injure Lagos State too.”
He further reinforced his position, stating: “Ban Okada. Kata Kata in Lagos State.”
He suggested the restriction should remain in place for a long period, adding: “At least for now. For the next years. Either rural area, down area, whatever. Ban Okada.”
He also proposed strict enforcement measures, saying: “If they see Okada, let them sentence the Okada Riders to 30 years imprisonment.”
He clarified that only official or government-approved operations should be allowed, stating: “Except if it’s official Okada… Personal people carrying Okada. Stop them to jail.”
Call for wider crackdown on street activity
The cleric extended his warning beyond Okada riders, calling for action against other groups, saying: “All these wheelbarrow pushers, ban them.”
He also added: “Ban beggars. So that they will not attack Lagos.”
He further urged authorities to address what he described as unstable individuals in public spaces, saying: “Pack all these mad people who pretend to be mad people. Pack them.”
Push for security task force
Primate Ayodele urged the government to take urgent action through enforcement, saying: “Government should have a tax force now.”
He warned that failure to act could have severe consequences, stating: “If they attack Lagos, Nigeria will go into disarray.”
Warning of wider insecurity
He further warned that insecurity could escalate if not addressed, saying:
“Terrorism is in Lagos too. That they cannot operate now.”
He added that instability could spread beyond the state: “You will see that they will start in Ogun State in big way.”
He concluded with a plea for urgency: “Let us stop saying eh, eh, eh, eh. There’s tension everywhere.”
Watch the video here…
“Lagos state government should ban commercial motorcyclists, wheelbarrow pushers and beggars so they won’t att@ck the state.” – Primate Ayodele
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) June 7, 2026
