- HRM Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja calls for urgent review of toll fees, citing hardship on farmers and rising cost of food.
- The monarch warns that one-way driving, encouraged by high toll fees, poses severe dangers to road users.
- Oba Ogunlaja expresses concern over illegal truck parking and road degradation, urging Lagos and Ogun States to collaborate on immediate solutions.
The Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, has issued a strong appeal to the Lagos and Ogun State Governments to immediately address the multifaceted challenges arising from the Epe–Ijebu-Ode Toll Gate operations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the monarch described the current situation as one that imposes unnecessary financial hardship on residents—especially farmers—while also endangering lives due to unsafe driving practices and illegal parking activities along the route.
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During an exclusive interview, Oba Ogunlaja began by acknowledging the commendable conduct of youths in the community following the most recent peaceful protest against the toll charges.
He emphasized that their decision to avoid violence reflects maturity and deep concern for the development of the community.
“I appreciate our youths for choosing the path of peace after the last protest,” he said. “We assured them that we would take it up from where they stopped, and we have kept our word by engaging all relevant authorities.”
Oba Ogunlaja stressed that the toll charges are disproportionately affecting farmers whose daily activities require multiple trips along the route.
He noted that during harvest season, some farmers pass through the toll gate four to five times a day, making the ₦1,000 fee per crossing extremely burdensome.
“Most of the people using that road are farmers,” he explained. “Paying ₦1,000 on every trip is too much. These are people feeding the nation.
When their expenses rise, food prices will also rise. This goes against the President’s effort to reduce hardship and make life easier for Nigerians.”
The monarch added that the toll structure is indirectly contributing to food inflation, as farmers are forced to push these extra costs onto their farm produce.
One of the most troubling outcomes of the high toll, according to Oba Ogunlaja, is the growing trend of motorists taking one-way routes to avoid paying.
He warned that this practice puts countless lives at risk and has now become a risky norm among some drivers.
“People now take one-way because they can’t afford the toll,” he said. “It is very risky and could lead to fatal accidents. No life should be put at risk because of toll fees. Government must urgently review this matter.”
The monarch further expressed deep concern over the indiscriminate parking of trucks along the Epe–Ijebu-Ode corridor.
He noted that these trucks, often stationed for hours or days, cause traffic congestion, distort road flow, and weaken the road through constant pressure and oil leakages.
“These trucks now park on the road as if it is normal,” he lamented. “I have once called the attention of the Permanent Secretary for Transportation to it.
The oil from the trucks is damaging the road gradually. If this road is spoiled, repairing it will require huge money and time.”
He added that some stakeholders try to justify their inaction by claiming the parking area sits at the boundary between states. However, he insisted that such excuses are unacceptable.
“Whether it is a boundary or not, this road is used by all,” he stated. “We cannot fold our arms and watch it being damaged. Preventive action is cheaper than repairs.”
Oba Ogunlaja emphasized that the Epe–Ijebu-Ode road is a critical link between the two states and therefore requires joint intervention.
He urged both governments to collaborate on reviewing the toll charges, enforcing parking regulations, and improving overall traffic management to prevent further hardship.
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“Both states must join hands to curb these problems,” he appealed. “The toll situation, the illegal parking, and the dangerous driving patterns all need immediate action. Our people deserve safety, fairness, and relief.”
The monarch reaffirmed his commitment to continually advocating for solutions that promote safety, comfort, and economic stability for residents of Epe, Noforija, and neighboring communities.
