- Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP raised concerns over high tollgate charges affecting residents and commuters.
- Farmers, traders, and vehicle owners reportedly cross the tollgate multiple times daily, with many losing their profits to toll fees.
- The monarch appealed to the Ogun State Government to engage the appropriate authorities to review and reduce the tolling system.
The traditional ruler of Odo Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP, has voiced serious concerns over the growing outcry surrounding the tollgate situated between Mojoda and Odo-Agboju, lamenting its negative impact on both farmers and the general motoring public who rely heavily on the route.
Ekohotblog reports that addressing reporters from his palace, the monarch revealed that a series of complaints have reached him from community members, commercial drivers, and traders who are struggling under the weight of frequent toll payments.
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“A lot of people have come to me to complain bitterly about the tollgate,” Oba Ogunlaja said. “it affecting farmers and everybody that passes through that road, especially Lagos State residents who use it more often. The burden is becoming too much.”
The monarch explained that many of the road users are farmers who may have to pass through the tollgate four to five times daily, particularly during harvest seasons, and commercial vehicles that ply the road for their daily operations.
He recounted the case of a local food vendor who crosses from a neighboring town to sell at Mojoda. “She lives just across the tollgate and sells food at Mojoda. She pays ₦1,000 every day just to go and return. That’s already eating deep into her little profit,” he said.
Similarly, many farmers reside in Mojoda and have their farmlands in Odo-Agboju, just across the gate. Oba Ogunlaja pointed out that due to the proximity, paying each time they cross makes no economic sense.
“Some traders have even stopped going to the market. What they make is what they use to pay the toll, and that is not sustainable.”
He added that commercial drivers and private vehicle owners have also been severely affected, as the charges reduce their income and increase transportation costs for commuters.
Oba Ogunlaja called on the Ogun State Government to urgently meet with the appropriate authorities managing the tollgate to review the current tolling system and explore possible solutions such as subsidized rates or exemptions for frequent local users.
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“Our people are not saying tolls shouldn’t be paid, but let it be reasonable. Gain is not made in a day. If people continue to lose money just for moving around their own community, how will they survive?” he questioned.
The monarch emphasized the need for a more considerate and people-focused approach in managing toll infrastructure, noting that the current situation, if left unaddressed, could escalate into a deeper socio-economic crisis.
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