Some aggrieved members of the Okada Riders Association in Ekiti State on Monday day staged a peaceful protest against an alleged plan to return the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Sunday Asaolu, and his executive for a third term.
The protesters, about 50 in number drawn from the six branches of the association across the state, took their grievances to relevant institutions including Radio Nigeria Progress 100.5 FM, Ado-Ekiti, displaying placards rejecting the proposed reappointment.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Adeoyin Onikokoro said Mr. Asaolu had already completed the two terms stipulated by the association’s constitution and had even spent an additional year in office. He appealed to the Board of Trustees (BoT) to respect the constitution and stop the third-term move.
The aggrieved riders alleged harassment of members and accused the current leadership of failing to address challenges facing commercial motorcyclists in the state. They called on relevant authorities to intervene.
The First Lady of the association, Mrs. Ifeoluwa Adegboyewa, also faulted the present leadership over poor welfare for members and kicked against the return of the chairman and his executives.
Another member, Mr. Adefemi Adeyemi, urged the Board of Trustees to take over the leadership transition process, citing its experience and ability to provide direction.
The protesters demanded strict adherence to the association’s constitution and a transparent process that would protect members’ interests.
Reacting, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Okada Riders Association, Ekiti State, Mr. Akorede Adegboyega, said the process of constituting a new executive for the association was already ongoing.
