By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta The Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye has called for calm and assured that collaborative efforts are underway to address the concerns raised by teachers, health workers, and commercial transport unions operating in the Ikoto, Emuren, Imagbon, and Imaka communities over the introduction of toll points along the Ijebu Ode/Mojoda road. <strong>The Daily Crucible</strong> reports that Ogun State Government had in late February this year announced the commencement of tolling operations on the Epe-Mojoda-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, starting from March 24, 2025, for sustainable road maintenance, efficient operations, as well as enhanced road safety. The 14.7km road was in a deplorable state for many years due to abject neglect and abandonment by past administrations, making it the a risky and unsafe route for commuters, inexorably leaving motorists and travellers at the time at the mercy of criminals, who often seized failed portions of the road to strike their victims when vehicles slowed down to navigate the hitherto crater - ridden Ijebu - Ode - Epe expressway. However, the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun turned the fortune of the round around by reconstructing and expanding it into multiple lanes with tolling points. The redesign and reconstruction addressed the fundamental issues of head - on collison of vehicles and poor visibility that before now, had been the nightmares of motorists and travellers plying or commuting along that route. <strong>The Daily Crucible</strong> further reports that the Governor having considered that expressway as a strategic corridor for fast - tracking economic activities, adopted a public-private partnership arrangement system in its management, including the tolls collection. According to the state government, this would ensure effective and efficient transport system, boost the micro - economy of the state and more importantly, enhance socioeconomic activities/interactions between Ogun and Lagos along that corridor and beyond. But residents and workers who are car owners and living along the axis are already protesting. Many of them said that the toll point fees represent an added burden upon people already reeling under the weight of current economic hardship. They also said that the commercial transporters will inevitably pass the burden of the toll points charge eventually to the passengers - the end users. However, in a swift reaction on Saturday, Hon. Adeleye, who represents the Odogbolu State Constituency, appealed for peace and understanding, emphasising the need for cooperation to ensure the livelihoods of essential workers and commercial transport operators while maintaining essential road maintenance services. Adeleye noted that the introduction of toll points had sparked protests and discussions bordering on the financial strain placed on commercial transport workers, teachers and public health workers who rely on this vital route for their daily engagements. The lawmaker revealed that he was actively engaging with the Director of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Mr. Dapo Oduwole so as to find feasible solutions and alleviate the burdens on transport unions and the people of Ikoto, Emuren, Imagbon, Itamapako, Isiwo, Odonoko and Imaka axis. He emphasized the importance of striking a balance that supports essential workers, who keep the local economy running. The Minority Leader urged all stakeholders, including transport unions and residents of the concerned communities, to remain calm and open to dialogue. He assured that community forums would be held in the coming weeks to discuss these developments further and gather insights and suggestions from the people. Hon. Adeleye harped on the importance of collaboration over confrontation during this time and assured that actions are ongoing to work out a win-win situation. He commended people those for their patience and understanding, calling on others still seething in anger to show understanding and work together to build a more prosperous future for their communities and all who travel these roads.
