Farmers in the Imeko/Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene in ongoing cases of alleged harassment, intimidation, and extortion involving a mandatory N8,000 riders’ permit.
The farmers, under the aegis of the Concerned Farmers, claimed that although the permit was designed for commercial motorcycle riders, they — as non-commercial riders — have been wrongly targeted and forced to pay the fee.
Mr. Adesina Alabi, who spoke on behalf of the group, said the extortion persisted despite previous intervention by the local government chairman, Theophilus Olorode.
Alabi said, “Mr. Sunday Yedeyede has continued to make life difficult for the farmers. He continues to harass and intimidate farmers, forcing them to pay N8,000 for riders’ permits, whereas the permit is only mandatory for commercial motorcycle operators.
“There was a time when Yedeyede and his men were going from one village to another to look for the farmers and threatened to seize their motorcycles if they did not collect the riders’ permits.
“As we speak, he has forced not less than 60 farmers to collect the permits and this we know is not supported by the government. It is nothing but sheer extortion.”
Another farmer from Olorunda Village, Isaac Durosinmi, confirmed the harassment. He said he was stopped on his way to Obada Market last week and had to pay N1,000. He added that other farmers had similar experiences.
In response, Mr. Sunday Yedeyede denied the allegations, stating that no farmer was forced to obtain the permit. “Even after the police intervention, we have not been doing so much work. Though the police said only commercial motorcycle operators are to collect the permit, those who assigned us to the job said the permit is for everyone,” he said.
He added that a meeting involving all parties had been scheduled by the police for Thursday, June 12, to address the matter.
The local government chairman, Theophilus Olorode, acknowledged the issue and said he had previously invited Yedeyede to his office and warned him against disturbing the farmers.
“I am aware of this case, and I have personally invited Yedeyede to my office and warned him to stop disturbing the farmers. The matter has been resolved. If there’s still any problem, the people concerned should get in touch with me. They might even be referring to incidents that have already been addressed,” he stated.
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