Anger over newly introduced toll charges boiled over today Saturday, May 31, as residents and motorists staged a protest at Mojoda, along the Epe–Ijebu Ode Expressway, calling for the total cancellation of the tolling system recently implemented by the Ogun State Government.
The demonstrators, made up of commercial drivers, local residents, and traders, blocked a major section of the expressway with burning tires and makeshift barricades, causing heavy gridlock and halting traffic for hours.
The protest stems from the tolling operations that began on March 24, 2025, following the reconstruction of the 14.7 km Epe–Mojoda–Ijebu Ode Expressway into a dual carriageway. While the Ogun State Government said the toll would ensure sustainable maintenance and efficient operations, many road users argue the fees are burdensome, unfair, and were introduced without sufficient consultation.
“We’re not just protesting for lower fees—we are demanding the complete removal of the toll,” said one commercial driver at the protest scene. “This road is our daily lifeline. The charges are driving us into hardship.”
Residents say the toll has led to increased transport fares, reduced earnings for drivers, and a heavier financial burden on low-income families who use the road frequently for business and travel.
Though security operatives later intervened to disperse the crowd, the protesters made it clear that further demonstrations could follow if the tolling policy is not reversed.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Ogun State Government regarding the protest or the demand for cancellation.
The situation highlights growing tension between infrastructure development and economic realities for ordinary citizens. Community leaders are urging state authorities to engage stakeholders in dialogue before the unrest escalates.