Lagos Govt Debunks Alleged Route Takeover by Seyi Tinubu’s Buses

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

The Lagos State Government has denied allegations by commercial mini-bus operators, popularly known as Korope drivers, that it plans to take over transport routes along the Lekki–Epe Expressway for the deployment of buses linked to Seyi Tinubu.

The denial follows a protest staged by the drivers on Wednesday at Block VGC Road, where they accused the state government of attempting to edge them out of operations along the busy corridor.

The protest triggered widespread reactions on social media.
Reacting to the claims, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described the allegations as false and misleading.

According to him, the Lekki–Epe corridor has officially transitioned into a Mass Transit and Regulated Transport Corridor under the state’s Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), a framework designed to modernise and standardise public transportation in Lagos.

Osiyemi explained that the reform is deliberate and data-driven, aligning with the government’s long-term vision of building a safer, more efficient and economically viable transport system.

He stressed that the restriction of unregulated Korope operations along the corridor was neither abrupt nor targeted at any group. The commissioner noted that the government had engaged in extensive consultations with transport unions, corridor operators and other stakeholders before enforcement began.

“Multiple consultations were held with transport unions, corridor operators and relevant associations. Sensitisation exercises, public advisories and structured notifications were issued well ahead of enforcement to ensure clarity and compliance,” he said.

Osiyemi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting structured mass transit, ensuring orderliness within the transport sector, and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

He urged all transport operators to align with the regulatory framework guiding the corridor and embrace structured participation within the formal transport system.