Oyo State has announced that any Okada rider (motorcycle taxi operator) who does not wear the state-approved QR code jacket will no longer be allowed to work. These jackets come with a special QR code that helps confirm if the rider is registered and safe to use. The government says those who ignore the rule will face fines or even court charges.
The head of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Adekoya Adesagba, shared this update in Ibadan. He urged everyone in the state to only use Okada riders who are wearing the official jackets. This, he said, is one way the public can help fight crime.
The crackdown comes after an increase in crimes involving Okada riders who don’t follow the rules. In one case, some people tried to kidnap someone near the University of Ibadan, but the plan was stopped because residents noticed the suspects were not wearing the QR code jackets.
Other crimes have also happened. Armed robbers recently used an unmarked motorcycle to steal from a trader at Bodija Market. In another case, a passenger was robbed by a fake Okada rider in the Challenge area.
Adesagba said daily checks will continue across the state. Any Okada caught without the right jacket will be seized, and the rider could be fined or taken to court. He explained that this action is necessary to keep residents safe and reduce crime in the state.
The policy also has full support from the Governor’s Office. Adebayo Akande, the Governor’s special assistant on ICT and E-Governance, confirmed that the decision is part of a larger digital security plan.
This policy first started in November 2023. At that time, the government gave out free QR code jackets and asked all Okada and tricycle operators to register under the Oyo State Residents’ Registration Scheme. But even after several months, many riders have not followed the rule.
Adesagba warned that criminals are using this lack of compliance to commit crimes. Because of this, the government will now increase enforcement and create more awareness so that everyone understands the importance of the rule and follows it.
