Commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in Ado-Ekiti carried on with their usual business activities on Saturday, despite a police-imposed travel restriction during the state’s governorship election. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that by 8 a.m., when accreditation and voting were scheduled to commence, many traders in key markets such as Eleyele, Oja Oba Erekesan, and Oja Bisi had already opened their shops and were serving customers.
Police Commissioner Abayomi Shogunle had earlier announced a ban on vehicular movement from midnight Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday as part of election security measures. However, many residents chose to ignore the order. One commercial motorcyclist, Oluwadare Adeleye, stated that he continued working because he believed Governor Biodun Oyebanji would easily win the election. He added that the security personnel deployed for the election appeared more friendly and relaxed compared to previous exercises.
Similarly, tricycle operator Moses Ajibade acknowledged awareness of the police directive but said economic pressures forced him to work. He explained that he needed to provide for his family and meet weekly contribution obligations. “I came out around 5:30 a.m., hoping to stop by 8 a.m., but when I noticed security operatives were not enforcing the restriction strictly, I continued working,” he said.
A pepper and vegetable trader, Mrs. Funmilayo Abolade, said she could not afford to stay away from the market because her goods were perishable. “I cannot allow my goods to spoil. That is why I came out to sell. As you can see, many other traders are also here doing business,” she noted. Although aware of the restriction order, she maintained that she had no alternative but to trade before heading to cast her vote later.