In the wake of rising public outcry over the newly introduced tolling system on the Epe-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, kakalistiq.com reports that Alayeluwa Oba Adeleke Stephen Adekoya, the Bejeroku of Oke Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo, has added his royal voice to calls for a major review of the toll rates.
Reacting to Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja’s position on the issue via text, the revered monarch commended the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, alongside his Lagos counterpart, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for their commitment to infrastructure development. According to him, the transformation of the Epe-Ijebu-Ode corridor is a remarkable departure from the years when the road was a nightmare of potholes and endless delays.
“I remember how agonizing it used to be travelling that route. What should take 30 minutes could easily stretch into hours,” Oba Adekoya recalled.
“Today, motorists can move freely and goods circulate faster, boosting trade and connecting communities more efficiently.”
Despite applauding the project’s impact, the Bejeroku expressed concern that the current toll rates are too burdensome for many Nigerians grappling with economic hardship. He described the charges as “harsh and unacceptable” and urged the government to revise them to more affordable rates, suggesting N300 for cars, N500 for SUVS, and N1,000 for trucks.
“This toll should be per trip,” the monarch emphasized. “People could otherwise abuse a daily flat fee by passing receipts around. Fairness and affordability must guide this policy.”
Oba Adekoya’s intervention underscores a growing consensus. While modern tollgates are vital for maintaining quality roads, they must not come at the cost of deepening citizens’ struggles.
