A powerful coalition of youth and civic groups from the Epe Division has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the Ogun State Government, demanding the immediate suspension of toll collection on the Ogun section of the Epe-Ijebu-Ode Road.
EpeInsights reports that the Coalition, comprising youth leaders, student associations, and civic organizations in a joint communiqué dated April 30, 2025, and addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, cited worsening economic hardship, inequity in road management and rising state revenues as grounds for their demand.
The coalition argued that continued tolling on the 14.7-kilometre Ogun stretch of the vital inter-state route is an added strain on already burdened citizens.
The group emphasized the financial pressures exacerbated by the 2023 removal of petrol subsidies, which saw fuel prices surge past ₦930 per litre.
“Collecting tolls on such a short stretch of road while the longer Lagos portion remains toll-free is both unfair and exploitative,” said Comrade Rilwan Agboola, speaking on behalf of the Concerned Nation Builders Initiative (CNI).
Pointing to comments made by President Bola Tinubu about the tripling of state allocations post-subsidy removal, the group questioned the necessity of tolls at all.
“With such financial boosts, Ogun State has no excuse. Road maintenance can and should be funded without squeezing citizens,” said Adetola Sodiq Onabajo of the League of Epe Division Youth and Students Association (LEYOSA).
Another sore point for the coalition is the perceived targeting of a specific group of road users.
“Our people live in Ogun, work in Lagos, and rely on this road daily. Tolls unfairly target one section of the road and, by extension, a particular group of people,” said Jumoke Fowowe, spokesperson for the Epe Division Renaissance Initiative (EDRIN).
The coalition’s demands are threefold; Immediate suspension of toll collection on the Ogun section of the Epe-Ijebu-Ode Road, inclusive stakeholder dialogue on road infrastructure and tolling policies and urgent rehabilitation of the Ogun portion of the road to ensure safer travel conditions.
The groups warned that if their demands are not addressed within seven days, they will initiate large-scale civic action, including peaceful protests and legal redress.
Signatories to the communiqué include the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Epe Division), Federation of Epe Division Students Association (FEDSA), and other local organizations across Eredo, Mojoda, and adjoining communities.
“This is about equity and responsible governance,” said Gbenga Ogundele, coordinator of the Eredo Youth Forum. “If the government does not act, we will.”
