Crisis Rocks Ekiti Okada Riders Association as Members Reject Chairman’s Proposed Third Term

Some aggrieved members of the Okada Riders Association in Ekiti State have staged a peaceful protest to relevant institutions, including Radio Nigeria Progress 100.5 FM, Ado-Ekiti, calling for an end to the eight-year leadership of the association and adherence to its constitution.

The protesters, numbering about 50 and drawn from the six branches of the association across the state, carried placards with various inscriptions rejecting the proposed reappointment of the outgoing Chairman, Mr Sunday Asaolu and other members of the executive for a third term in office.

Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved members, Adeoyin Onikokoro said Mr Asaolu had completed the constitutionally stipulated two terms and had also spent an additional year in office. He therefore appealed to the Board of Trustees (BoT) to uphold the constitution and prevent the proposed third-term reappointment.

The protesters alleged that members had faced harassment at different levels, expressing dissatisfaction with what they described as inadequate action by the present executive to address the challenges confronting riders. They urged the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that the concerns of members were addressed.

Also speaking, the First Lady of the Okada Riders Association, Mrs Ifeoluwa Adegboyewa, said the welfare of members had not received adequate attention under the present leadership. She consequently opposed the reappointment of the outgoing chairman and executive members, calling for a leadership arrangement that would prioritise the welfare of members.

Another member, Mr Adefemi Adeyemi, appealed to the Board of Trustees to take over the leadership process, citing its experience and capacity to provide direction for the association. The protesters called for strict adherence to the constitution and a transparent leadership process that would protect the interests of members.

When contacted, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Okada Riders Association in Ekiti State, Mr Akorede Adegboyega, said the process of constituting a new executive for the association was ongoing.