Gov Dapo Abiodun

The Ogun State Government has pledged to provide alternative routes for residents and businesses affected by the recent tolling on the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Expressway, following public protests over high toll charges.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ijebu-Ode, the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Dapo Okubadejo, assured community members that existing routes in and around Isiwo, Itamapako, Oke-Ako, and surrounding areas would be rehabilitated and upgraded to ease local mobility and economic activities.

This move comes after Saturday’s protest that saw residents and commercial drivers block parts of the expressway, condemning what they described as extortionate fees being collected by the toll managers under the state’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

ICYMI: PROTEST ERUPTS ON EPE-IJEBU-ODE EXPRESSWAY OVER TOLLGATE CHARGES – Eagle 102.5 FM

Hon. Okubadejo emphasized that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration had already granted toll waivers for motorcycle and tricycle operators using the corridor. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders and easing the financial pressure on residents amid ongoing economic challenges.

Also speaking at the forum, Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Olugbenga Dairo, underscored the expressway’s strategic role in boosting trade and transport, noting that its upkeep through tolling is essential. He said the reconstructed road has spurred commercial growth across host communities.

Director-General of the PPP Office, Mr. Dapo Oduwole, defended the tolling initiative, stressing that the road’s development was a collaborative investment and that investors needed to recoup costs through structured collections. He reiterated the project’s goal of making Ogun an industrial hub.

Traditional leaders, represented by the Aladeken of Oke-Ako, Oba Joshua Osunsami, lauded the road’s impact but appealed for a review of toll fees and the creation of bypasses or turning points for specific communities to ease access and reduce hardship.

The meeting also featured contributions from senior government officials, including AIG Olusola Subair (rtd), Special Adviser on Security; Commissioner for Urban Development, Tpl. Tunji Odulami; and Odogbolu LG Chairman, Dr. Oyetola Diya.

In a conciliatory move, Minority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, who represents Odogbolu Constituency, called for calm, assuring constituents that lawmakers are working with the executive to find a balanced solution. He emphasized the need to protect the interests of essential workers, including teachers and health personnel, while sustaining road infrastructure through fair tolling policies.