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Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on Monday staged widespread protests across major motor parks in Osun State, passing a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the factional state chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle.
The demonstrators alleged that Alowonle has become a major security threat, claiming that his activities have disrupted the state’s transportation sector and endangered passenger safety.
According to the protesters, the actions of Alowonle and his associates have driven many transport workers out of business as commuters lose confidence in the safety of public transport.
The protest, which began as early as 7:30 a.m., quickly spread across major motor parks in Osogbo, the state capital. Demonstrators carrying placards demanded Alowonle’s immediate arrest and called for heightened security.
Operations at several parks ground to a halt as protesters ordered passengers and transport operators to vacate the premises, citing a rapidly worsening security situation.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the factional Secretary of the NURTW, Alhaji Fatai Oyegoke, stated that the chairman’s conduct, particularly regarding political matters, had crippled livelihoods and threatened the peace of Osun State.
“We are out this morning to call the attention of the Inspector-General of Police to the crisis in the Osun NURTW. Alowonle has ignited an unnecessary crisis in the state’s transportation system. He is alleged to be in possession of arms and ammunition, making it impossible for us to safely conduct our business.
“For the past five days, Sikiru Oyeniyi (alias Ado Igona) and Alowonle have allegedly spearheaded attacks leading to the killing of Adelodun Olamilekan Lateef and several others. This has triggered retaliatory attacks across various motor parks. We are living in fear. To protect our vehicles and ensure public safety, we urge the police and other security agencies to secure the parks and protect transport workers,” Oyegoke said.
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Oyegoke further implored law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend both Alowonle and Oyeniyi, naming them as the driving forces behind the recent violence.
Also, Comrade Omololu Abidoye, Director of Mobilisation for the Local Government Development Initiative (LGDI), described the ongoing violence as a failure of law enforcement and called for immediate intervention. He argued that public peace must take precedence over union politics.
Alleging that Alowonle is hibernating in the Government House, Abidoye said, “We cannot remain silent. Alowonle is alleged to have spearheaded the killing of Lateef Olamilekan, a NANS comrade.
“Shockingly, an innocent toddler and a man in his 70s were also shot on the same day in an attack he reportedly led. When individuals disrupt the public transport system that ordinary citizens rely on, we must speak out. We are demanding justice for the victims and calling on the police to secure public facilities. The leadership of Alowonle and Oyeniyi must be investigated.”
The crisis also drew reactions from other transport bodies. Akeem Kareem, the factional secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Osun State, accused the state government of partisan interference. He alleged that union members who do not align with the ruling political party are facing unfair treatment.
Kareem added that members have completely lost confidence in the leadership of their state chairman, Comrade Jelili Abioye, insisting on his immediate removal.
Governor Ademola Adeleke directed security operatives to arrest anyone found culpable of disrupting the peace of the state, saying, “If my child is found wanton, arrest him.”
