Commercial drivers operating small buses popularly known as korope staged a protest on Wednesday along the Ajiwe-Victoria Garden City (VGC) axis in Ajah, Lagos State, over allegations that they were being forced to abandon their existing vehicles and purchase newly introduced buses allegedly linked to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
Newsonspot reports that the protest caused a major traffic gridlock, with drivers blocking the route and disrupting movement for commuters and residents in the area. The aggrieved operators claimed they were instructed to completely stop using their current korope buses and take up a new set of vehicles under fresh purchase terms.
According to the drivers, the directive was unfair, especially for those who had acquired their buses through hire-purchase arrangements and were close to completing, or had already completed, their payments. Some operators said they were prevented from working entirely, rather than being redirected to other routes.
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Several drivers alleged that the newly introduced buses were connected to Seyi Tinubu, although no official confirmation has been made. One driver said that while no names were openly mentioned, it was widely believed among operators that the vehicles belonged to interests linked to the president’s son.
The drivers expressed frustration, saying they had invested heavily in their existing buses and structured their livelihoods around them. One operator who had fully paid for his vehicle questioned why he should be forced to abandon it and start a new payment plan.
Eyewitnesses reported that the protest completely shut down the Ajiwe-VGC corridor, bringing commercial and private activities to a standstill. As of the time of reporting, neither the Lagos State authorities nor Seyi Tinubu had issued an official response to the allegations. The protesting drivers vowed to remain on the road until their concerns are addressed.
