By Mojisola Oladele
Some commercial mini-bus drivers in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday, staged a protest over the recent hike in petroleum prices.
The drivers, who converged on the Olaiya Flyover, Osogbo, prevented other mini-bus drivers from conveying passengers during the protest.
Radio Nigeria reports that the protest, which occurred between 8 and 10 o’clock in the morning, caused gridlock at Olaiya, Oja Oba and Ota Efun areas of the State.
One of the drivers, Mr Ajayi Fatai, said all their earnings were being spent on fuel.
Mr Fatai said the protest was to raise awareness on the need to review transport fares and for commuters to bear with them.
Another protesting driver, Mr Mufutau Ajani, said the government’s daily ticket charges were also an issue affecting their operation, therefore, introducing a new transport fare was the only way to cushion the effects of the fuel price increase on their business.
Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Sesan Oyedele said that a meeting would be held with the representatives of the drivers and the union to find a lasting solution to the issue.
Edited by Olaolu Fawole
