This is not the best of times for commuters in Oyo State, especially in Ibadan, the state capital, as officers of the Oyo State Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, began ‘arrest’ of commercial vehicles that are yet-to-be painted ‘amala and gbegiri’ colour of the state.
For many hours yesterday, commuters in major parks, were stranded as many drivers parked their vehicles for fear of arrest.
For non-residents, the road that divides Ibadan into two halves- Iwo road-agodi gate-oje-bere-molete-challenge, witnessed unhindered vehicular movement until the VIO men left around 5 pm.
Those who have painted their vehicles made brisk business as they hiked transport fares. Those who could not afford the fares trekked long distance.
As early as 8 am his morning, especially at Bodija, men of the VIO were sighted, making enforcement.
It was learnt that those who are yet to paint their vehicle will be made to pay the sum of N10, 000 as fine.
InsideOyo.com had reported how the state ministry of works and transport issued deadline for the change to the new colour. It first gave them Wednesday, 21st June, 2017 as deadline before it changed to September 1st, 2017. This was after the leadership of their union had pleaded for more time.
The operation, however, did not start until yesterday. It caught the drivers unaware.
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A driver told insideoyo.com that they need N10, 000 to get a ‘micra’ painted. He revealed that some people painted their cars themselves.
According to the man, who is identified as Kaso, 90 per cent of those who have painted their vehicles, are people who were repairing their cars and buses were already under repair, in mechanic workshops, before the directive was issued. “They just used that avenue to repaint it,” he said.
“It may be because government wants to phase out rickety vehicles that they are embarking on this. People with vehicles whose outer layers are not okay will find it difficult painting the vehicles,” another driver said.
