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Intra-city minibus operators, popularly known as Korope, staged a protest in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday over rising fuel costs and the alleged mismanagement of daily ticket revenues by union leadership.
Operating under the aegis of the Association of Korope Drivers, the protesters disrupted transport services along major routes in the state capital from early morning until around 2 pm, leaving many commuters stranded and forced to trek to their destinations.
The drivers cited the soaring prices of petrol, vehicle spare parts and general food items as the main reasons their transport operations have become unprofitable.
Demonstrators converged on the popular Ayetoro Junction, where they parked their vehicles and blocked non-compliant colleagues from picking up passengers.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Abdulwasiu Osuolale expressed frustration with union leaders, accusing them of failing to support drivers during difficult economic times.
“The fuel price has brought a lot of hardship, and transport union leaders do not care about what we are going through. All they care about is collecting daily ticket money from us. The cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance is too high, which is why we staged this peaceful protest,” Osuolale said.
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, alleging that private individuals are pocketing funds intended for public coffers.
Under the new fare structure released by the association during the protest, shortest routes within Osogbo will now attract a flat rate of N300.
Also, Ayetoro/Igbona to Owode-Ede, Dagbolu 1 and 2 to Okefia/Old Garage, and Old Garage/Olaiya/Okefia to Olobu/Ifon now cost N700.
“Stadium to Owode-Ede is N800. Ota-Efun to Owode-Ede, and Owode-Ede to Bolanle/Dele Yes Sir is N1,000. Kobo to Owode-Ede (longest route) is N1,200,” the association announced.
Reacting to the demonstration, 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.
“What the transporters did today is the best form of protest in a democracy, where everyone has the right to express grievances,” Olowu said.
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.
