Makinde imposes night-time okada ban as Oyo tightens security measures

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 002 of 2026, introducing stricter measures on vehicle registration, traffic management and commercial motorcycle operations as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.

The executive order, signed on Friday, empowers law enforcement agencies to enforce compliance with vehicle registration laws and traffic regulations, including sanctions against motorists driving against traffic and operators of unregistered vehicles.

Announcing the measure at the signing ceremony in Ibadan, Makinde said the order was informed by growing security concerns and the increasing use of unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles in criminal activities.

According to the governor, the absence of identifiable registration details often makes it difficult for security agencies to trace suspects and investigate crimes.

He said designated enforcement authorities would be empowered to arrest offenders and impound vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles found to be in breach of the provisions of the order.

“Offenders apprehended under the executive order shall be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while seized assets and properties will be dealt with through established legal procedures,” he said.

Makinde linked the new measures to recent security challenges in the state, particularly the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area, who have remained in captivity for more than 20 days.

“We are living through very trying times; for over 20 days, our teachers and pupils have remained in captivity in the hands of terrorists. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and with their families who continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty,” the governor said.

He assured residents that the state government was working closely with security agencies to secure the release of the victims and urged the public not to interpret official silence on the matter as inaction.

“As a government, we share in their anxiety and their hope, and we remain committed to doing everything within our power to secure the safe return of every one of them,” he added.

A major provision of the executive order is a statewide restriction on the operations of commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada operators.

Under the directive, commercial motorcycles will no longer be allowed to operate between 10.30pm and 5.30am, a measure the governor said was aimed at curbing criminal activities and enhancing public safety.

Makinde called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely information on suspicious movements and activities, describing security as a collective responsibility.

“If you see something, say something, and authorities will do something,” he said, while reminding residents to use the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615, to report security threats and emergencies.

The governor also commended security agencies and members of the Amotekun Corps for their efforts in combating insecurity across the state, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration among security operatives, community leaders and residents would lead to the safe rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils.

Speaking at the event, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, said enforcement of the executive order would be carried out by relevant agencies, including the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority and the Nigeria Police Force, which would submit periodic reports to the government.

He added that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would oversee prosecutions arising from the enforcement exercise, while members of the public would be encouraged to report any misconduct by officials involved in implementing the order.

Among those present at the signing ceremony were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, Secretary to the State Government, Musibaudeen Babatunde, and other senior government, security and road management officials.