Sapele Council Lifts Okada, Keke Curfew After Public Outcry

By Endurance Ikanone

Sapele Local Government Council has lifted the time restrictions earlier placed on commercial motorcyclists (Okada) and tricyclists (Keke) within the area, following public outcry and widespread criticism from residents and stakeholders.

The new directive was contained in a Security Circular Notice dated November 13, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the Council, Hon. Raymond Overah. The notice stated that Okada and Keke operators can now operate without time limitations, marking an end to the curfew earlier imposed by the council under its October 6, 2025 circular.

According to the statement, the decision was taken after “careful deliberation and consideration of the current situation in the local government,” and it reflects the council’s renewed commitment to promoting peace, order, and economic activity in Sapele.

“Keke and Okada operators can now carry out their work without time restrictions,” the circular read. “This decision reflects our collective commitment to promoting peace, order, and economic activity while ensuring that all transport operators continue to conduct themselves responsibly and lawfully.”

However, the council maintained some regulatory measures, directing that all Okada riders must wear reflective vests with clearly written numbers, that tricycles (Keke) must display valid Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) numbers, and that any Okada rider seen wearing a face mask while on duty will be arrested immediately.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, urged all operators to obey traffic rules, maintain discipline, and cooperate with security agencies to sustain the peace already achieved in the area.

The latest development comes barely a month after residents, transport operators, and civic voices in Sapele condemned the earlier curfew imposed by the local government. The previous order restricted Okada operations to between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Keke operations to between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., sparking widespread backlash.

Many residents, including youth activist Comrade Utseoritselaju Ayo, had taken to social media to criticize the restriction, warning that it would inflict more hardship on struggling families, affect night-time business owners, and encourage extortion by security personnel.

The reversal of the curfew has been welcomed by residents, who described it as “a listening decision” and “a victory for the people.”

A resident who operates a tricycle in Amukpe area told newsmen that the new directive was a relief.

“We thank the council for hearing our cries,” he said. “People were really suffering because of the restriction. Now we can work freely, but we’ll make sure to obey the rules.”