By Niran Odufayo
Mounting discontent is brewing across Lagos and Ogun border communities following the imposition of toll charges on the Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe Road by the Ogun State Government. Stakeholders from the Epe Division in Lagos have decried the move, citing economic strain, lack of consultation, and silence from Ogun officials despite previous engagements.
The affected route begins at Fari Expressway in Ijebu-Ode and terminates at Mojoda, which connects to Epe in Lagos State. The Lagos section, from Epe to Mojoda, was upgraded under former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The Ogun segment—14.7km from Mojoda to Ijebu-Ode—was completed by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.
Tolling on the Ogun-controlled portion was introduced abruptly, with no prior public announcement. The rates—₦1,000 for cars and standard buses, ₦1,500 for mini buses, and ₦2,500 for trucks and trailers—have sparked widespread criticism, especially from residents and regular commuters.
On April 30, 2025, a stakeholders’ meeting was held at Rolak Hotel in Ijebu-Ode, with the Coalition of Epe Division Groups and other delegations presenting a formal communique opposing the toll. Participants say the Ogun State Government requested time to deliberate and respond within a week. Nearly a month later, no feedback has been provided.
“The Ogun State Government pleaded for time, but several weeks have passed and nothing has been heard. The continued silence is both disappointing and disrespectful,” a spokesperson for the coalition stated.
In response to the deadlock, civil society groups and community leaders have scheduled a peaceful protest for Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 6:00 AM. Demonstrators will gather at Mojoda Garage, a strategic point at the Ogun-Lagos boundary, to demand transparency and fairness in infrastructure-related decisions.
Organizers have also announced plans to release supporting documents to bolster public understanding and policy scrutiny, including:
The official communique from the April 30 meeting
Open letters addressed to the Presidency and the Ogun State Government
Other related correspondence and records
Repeated attempts to obtain comment from Ogun State Government officials were unsuccessful as of the time of publication.
The Ijebu-Ode–Mojoda–Epe road is a vital inter-state corridor serving thousands of daily commuters and facilitating economic exchange between Ogun and Lagos. While its recent completion was widely celebrated as a significant infrastructure achievement, the unilateral tolling policy has reignited long-standing debates about governance, public engagement, and equitable access to public infrastructure.