By Johnson Dairo Daniel
BoldNEWS Africa
Ijebu-East, Ogun State
The protest by the United Truck and Trailer Drivers Welfare Association (UTTDWA) at Ogere, Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Monday, July 27, 2026, ended in a peaceful truce following constructive engagements among the association, government authorities, and revenue operators.
The President of the association, Comrade Godfrey Omonfomhan, who led members during the protest, said the action was aimed at drawing attention to alleged multiple road levy collections, harassment, extortion, and unlawful detention of truck and trailer drivers.
He maintained that the protest was conducted peacefully, in line with the association’s earlier commitment to a non-violent demonstration.
The protest began as early as 8:00 a.m. at Ijebu-Itele, where members of the association from different parts of the state gathered in large numbers. The protesters subsequently moved towards the Control Post (J4) along the Benin-Lagos Road to express their grievances over the alleged multiple levy collections and other related concerns. BoldNEWS Africa was at the scene as the development unfolded.
The protest, which lasted several hours, also provided an opportunity for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force to demonstrate a high level of professionalism in maintaining law and order and preventing the situation from escalating.
Rather than allowing the gathering to degenerate into confrontation, the police, under the leadership of the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Olabode Ojajuni, with personnel from the Ogere Police Command playing a key role at the scene, maintained a calm and professional posture. Their approach helped provide security, facilitate communication among the parties, and create an atmosphere conducive to peaceful engagement.
In their presentations, UTTDWA members emphasised that the protest was intended to draw attention to the challenges confronting truck and trailer operators and to seek appropriate intervention from relevant government authorities.
Following discussions involving the Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government, Hon. Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, representatives of the Ogun State Government, revenue operators, and the association, the parties reached a truce.
The National Chief Provost of the association, Comrade Fidelis Ahkahomeh, amid the constructive dialogue involving truck drivers, government representatives, and other stakeholders, called for a holistic examination of the underlying causes of the crisis to develop a robust understanding of the alleged multiple levies and other challenges affecting truck and trailer operators in the area.
Comrade Adeoti Oluwaseun, the Ogun State Chairman of the association, in his submission, called for the complete eradication of all forms of illegality, harassment, and undue detention of members, while advocating a mutually beneficial relationship between legitimate levy operators and truck drivers.
As part of the resolution, the immediate protest action was suspended, while a further date is expected to be fixed for formal dialogue and continued efforts towards a peaceful and lasting resolution of the issues raised.
The development is being viewed as a positive step towards addressing the concerns of truck drivers while maintaining peace and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods and services across the area.
The association’s decision to suspend the protest also underscores the importance of dialogue and constructive engagement in resolving disputes involving transport operators, government authorities, and revenue collection agencies.
The latest development presents an opportunity for the Ogun State Government and other relevant stakeholders to engage further with UTTDWA towards finding sustainable solutions to the concerns raised by its members.
As the parties move forward, attention is expected to focus on the implementation of mutually acceptable measures that will protect the legitimate interests of truck and trailer drivers, promote lawful and transparent revenue collection, and eliminate practices capable of creating unnecessary tension between transport operators and government agencies.
The peaceful resolution also demonstrates that when citizens, government authorities, and security agencies approach contentious issues with dialogue, restraint, and professionalism, disputes can be addressed without compromising public order or the right to peaceful expression.
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