Following the implementation of the 2012 Lagos Traffic Rule which restricts commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada and commercial tricycles, popularly called Marwa, from plying highways and major roads across the state, Horse riders were seen on Monday morning, February 3, in different parts of Lagos, cashing in on the latest business opportunity – conveying commuters amid Lagos busy traffic.
I have always believed that the Nigerian man will find his way around toughness, such is the case of this latest development, ‘OHorse’, in the absence of okada and keke napep, seems Nigerians have found a way around movement in Lagos.
The February 1, 2020 restriction order cuts across six local government areas, nine local council development areas, 10 major highways and 40 bridges and flyovers across Lagos.
The state government, through its Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, said the decision was in response to the ‘scary figures’ of fatal accidents recorded from Okada and tricycle operators in the state between 2016 and 2019.
A video that recently surfaced on the popular micro-blogging platform, Twitter, makes it seem like Lagosians have found a way around the ban. Nigerians had taken to social media to complain about the ban which took effect on Saturday, February 1.
However, the new Twitter video shows people riding horses around Lagos state. The video was shared by a Twitter user identified simply as, Ayemojubar.
Ayemojubar joked about the horses becoming a transport service that can be ordered. The social media user said the service would also have an app that can be downloaded online.
The Twitter user added that horseback rides from Eko Hotel to Ajah area of Lagos state would go for N3000.
Watch video below:
OHorse app now available on Google store. From Eko Hotel to Ajah, N3,000. #OkadaBan https://t.co/gIhaKB1PLQ
— Ayemojubar (@ayemojubar) February 3, 2020