Minibus operators, known as Korope, staged a protest in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday, disrupting transport services along major routes in the state capital. The protest, which lasted from early morning until around 2 pm, left many commuters stranded and forced to trek to their destinations. The drivers cited soaring prices of petrol, vehicle spare parts, and general food items as the main reasons their transport operations have become unprofitable.
The protesters, operating under the Association of Korope Drivers, converged on Ayetoro Junction, where they parked their vehicles and blocked non-compliant colleagues from picking up passengers. The drivers expressed frustration with union leaders, accusing them of failing to support drivers during difficult economic times. They also alleged that private individuals are pocketing funds intended for public coffers.
Abdulwasiu Osuolale, speaking on behalf of the group, stated that the fuel price has brought a lot of hardship, and transport union leaders do not care about what drivers are going through. He added that the drivers have officially increased transport fares across Osogbo and called on the state government to investigate how union ticket proceeds are handled.
Under the new fare structure released by the association during the protest, shortest routes within Osogbo will now attract a flat rate of N300. Longer routes, such as Ayetoro/Igbona to Owode-Ede, Dagbolu 1 and 2 to Okefia/Old Garage, and Old Garage/Olaiya/Okefia to Olobu/Ifon, now cost N700. The association also announced higher fares for other routes, including Stadium to Owode-Ede, Ota-Efun to Owode-Ede, and Kobo to Owode-Ede.
Emmanuel Olowu, Executive Director of the Osun-based civil society group Socio-Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy, commended the drivers for conducting a peaceful demonstration. He noted that the drivers’ complaints highlight a broader issue with transport ticketing, stating that the current system, where non-government entities collect revenue without oversight, can no longer continue.
The protest took place on 23 September 2026, at 7:08 pm WAT, and was reported by Lateef Dada. The drivers' actions have significant implications for commuters in Osogbo, who will have to adjust to the new transport fares. The state government's response to the allegations of mismanagement of daily ticket revenues remains to be seen.
The new transport fares announced by the Association of Korope Drivers are as follows: Stadium to Owode-Ede is N800, Ota-Efun to Owode-Ede, and Owode-Ede to Bolanle/Dele Yes Sir is N1,000, and Kobo to Owode-Ede, the longest route, is N1,200.
Key points
- Minibus drivers in Osun State protest high fuel costs and mismanagement of daily ticket revenues.
- The drivers announce new transport fares across Osogbo, ranging from N300 to N1,200.
- The state government's response to the allegations of mismanagement of daily ticket revenues remains to be seen.
