Protests in Oyo State have turned violent, leading Governor Seyi Adeleke to call for calm. The unrest began on Tuesday, June 4, 2026, after the Oyo State House of Assembly passed a resolution supporting the removal of toll fees on Ibadan-Ilorin Road. Demonstrators, largely made up of students and traders, blocked major roads in Ibadan and set tyres ablaze. Police responded with tear gas and several arrests were made. No official figure for injuries or arrests has been released. The governor's statement, issued the same evening, urged citizens to refrain from violence and assured that the state government was in dialogue with relevant agencies over the toll issue. He emphasized that grievances should be addressed through legal channels. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has not commented on the matter. The Ibadan-Ilorin Road toll was introduced in 2023 under a public-private partnership agreement. Some residents argue the toll is too costly, while others say it has improved road conditions. The state assembly's resolution called for a review of the fee structure, not outright removal. Protesters, however, demanded immediate abolition. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Oyo did not endorse the protests.
Adeleke demands peaceful dialogue while his police disperse protesters with tear gas, creating a disconnect between message and action. The use of force undermines his appeal for lawful dissent, especially as no platform has been created for affected citizens to engage. Residents who rely on the road face ongoing financial strain with no clear timeline for relief. The state's silence on the number of arrests or injuries deepens public distrust.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
