Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria, is a city rich in culture, history, and an intricate tapestry of daily life. Among the many facets that define this vibrant metropolis, one particularly stands out: the presence of ‘Okada’ riders.
These motorcycle taxi operators are a common sight, offering swift and convenient transportation across the city’s bustling streets. However, my recent encounter with them revealed a troubling narrative of accountability and responsibility—or rather, the lack thereof.
The Rise of Okadas in Ibadan
Okadas have become an integral part of urban transportation in Nigeria, particularly in cities like Ibadan where traffic congestion is a daily reality. They provide a rapid means of travel, often maneuvering through traffic where cars and buses cannot.
This mode of transport has become a lifeline for many, offering not just convenience but also employment opportunities for thousands.
Yet, as their numbers have increased, so too have the issues surrounding them. Accidents, reckless driving, and a general disregard for traffic laws have contributed to a growing sense of unease among both passengers and pedestrians.
The Okada riders, in their quest for quick earnings, often seem to prioritize speed over safety, leading to a concerning culture of negligence.
My Encounter
On a typical busy afternoon in Ibadan, I decided to take an Okada to a nearby market. As I approached the motorcycle park, I was struck by the chaos that unfolded before me.
Riders jostled for attention, calling out to potential passengers. The air was filled with the sounds of revving engines and bustling activity.
I chose a rider who appeared professional, donning a helmet and maintaining a clean motorcycle. As we set off, I was immediately taken aback by his aggressive driving style.
He weaved through traffic, often ignoring traffic signals and the presence of pedestrians. Each time we narrowly avoided an accident, my heart raced, and I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of unease.
Mid-journey, we encountered a minor mishap—a collision with a car that had unexpectedly stopped. While I expected the rider to handle the situation responsibly, I was surprised to see him react with anger, blaming the driver rather than assessing the damage or ensuring everyone’s safety.
The driver, who had stepped out of his vehicle, seemed equally agitated, leading to a heated exchange that further escalated the situation.
The Culture of Blame Game
This encounter illustrated a broader issue within the Okada community: a pervasive culture of blame rather than accountability. It seemed that many riders, including the one I was with, were quick to deflect responsibility for their actions.
Rather than acknowledging their role in the chaos, they shifted the blame onto others—motorists, pedestrians, and even traffic regulators.
Conversations with other riders later revealed a similar sentiment. Many expressed frustrations about the lack of infrastructure and road conditions, which they claimed forced them into reckless behavior.
While the state of the roads certainly plays a role, it became clear that a deeper issue lay within the attitudes of the riders themselves. The unwillingness to take responsibility for their actions contributed to a cycle of recklessness that endangered lives.
The Impact on Society
The ramifications of this culture extend beyond the immediate dangers posed by reckless riding. They seep into the broader societal fabric, fostering a sense of mistrust among citizens.
Passengers often feel anxious about their safety, and pedestrians must remain perpetually vigilant to avoid accidents. This cycle of fear and blame undermines community cohesion and promotes a mindset of individualism over collective responsibility.
Moreover, the government has struggled to enforce regulations that could mitigate these issues. Many Okada riders operate without proper licenses, insurance, or training, which complicates the already challenging dynamics of urban transportation.
My last encounter with such experience with an okada rider was on Tuesday, October 22. We had agreed for a fee for a drop off at the State Government Secretariat from Sango, Ibadan.
On our way I had a second thought and urged the rider to take me into the state government Secretariat but he instantaneously declined saying “okada mi o gallant nitori wipe mio ni iwe mio de kun Okada mi” meaning “my motorcycle isn’t fit to enter the state government Secretariat because I do not have necessary papers and I didn’t paint my motorcycle”.
I inquired further out of curiosity as to why it was so knowing that the government policy on commercial motorcycles to paint to an official color was to curb crime and also identify criminal elements masquerading as okada riders but he immediately interrupted me saying “se Seyi Makinde lo ra okada fun mi ni”? meaning “was it Seyi Makinde that bought my motorcycle for me”?
I then paused and thought, if people working and making economic gains from infrastructure and other amenities provided by government carry this sort of mentality, then how would government succeed in its strides to generate revenue to perform its primary duties? I felt, considering the minute number of people holding public office compared to the larger populace, it was clear that the bane of bad governance is not really the government but the governed.
I stand to be challenged but from all logical point of reasoning, the people in power didn’t fall from heaven, they’re products of the same society and if this was the mentality of those who wanted to be well governed, then the situation becomes like a bird with one healthy wing and the other unhealthy yet attempting to fly. Fact remains that regardless of how many attempts such bird makes, it would find itself back on the ground even if it managed to fly midway into the air.
I felt on another thought that if a crime was perpetrated using same okada and and genuine okada rider was at the receiving end of such misfortune, it wouldn’t take long for other okada riders to mobilize themselves in protest to the state government Secretariat to demand for justice.
If painting of commercial motorcycles to official state government colors for identification was to be done for free, such a rider would probably jump on it immediately without minding what the government would suffer in terms of revenue to garner resources to provide the needed security and maintain public safety and peace.
Where then is the role of citizens civic duty if same citizen would expect only the government to be held accountable in the face of sheer rebellions against public collaboration? Must government enact laws to compel citizens to freely perform its civic obligations before compliance? If so, how then could democracy thrive in this clime?
As much as I felt on one hand that irresponsible government reckless policies and anti masses policies could account for lack of public trust leading to such public dissent and rebellion, a government that has demonstrated political will and good intent with sincerity of purpose to effect positive change deserved public cooperation, after all, a concept of reciprocity states that one good turn deserves another.
It is therefore pertinent for both government and the people it governs to deliberately make efforts to deepen mutual respect, cooperation and understanding in order to record improved government-people relationship especially as it affects policies and programs of government for the people.
The people also must be very intentional in cooperating with a government with genuine intentions backed by the purposeful leadership. This is how to create an egalitarian society where it is a win win for both the government and the governed.
Government must on its part be deliberate in its investment in strategic sensitization and awareness campaign different from the periodic government routine exercise carried out without any intentionality and purpose. People must be able to see a particular line of action by government as intentional for them to be able to key in. After all, if objectives aren’t properly defined, waste is inevitable.