Protests rock Osun motor parks as NURTW faction rejects

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on Monday staged 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 protesters alleged that Alowonle has become a major security threat whose activities have disrupted transportation across the state and endangered the lives of commuters.

According to them, the actions of Alowonle and his associates have forced many transport workers out of business as passengers increasingly fear for their safety.

The protest, which began around 7:30 a.m., spread across major motor parks in Osogbo, the state capital, with demonstrators carrying placards demanding Alowonle’s immediate arrest and stronger security presence.

Activities at several parks were paralysed as protesters directed passengers and transport operators to vacate the premises, citing escalating violence.

Addressing journalists, the factional Secretary of the NURTW, Alhaji Fatai Oyegoke, alleged that Alowonle’s conduct, particularly in relation to politics, had crippled livelihoods and threatened peace in Osun State.

“We are out this morning to draw 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 conduct our business safely.

“For the past five days, Sikiru Oyeniyi, popularly known as Ado Igona, and Alowonle have allegedly led attacks that resulted in the killing of Adelodun Olamilekan Lateef and several others. This has triggered retaliatory attacks across motor parks. We are living in fear. We urge the police and other security agencies to secure the parks and protect transport workers,” he said.

Oyegoke called on security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest both Alowonle and Oyeniyi, whom he accused of orchestrating the violence.

Also speaking, the Director of Mobilisation, Local Government Development Initiative (LGDI), Comrade Omololu Abidoye, described the violence as a failure of law enforcement and called for urgent intervention.

Alleging that Alowonle was being shielded in the Government House, Abidoye said:

“We cannot remain silent. Alowonle is alleged to have masterminded 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 during an attack he reportedly led. When individuals disrupt the public transport system that citizens depend on, we must speak out. We demand justice for the victims and call on the police to secure public facilities. The activities of Alowonle and Oyeniyi must be thoroughly investigated.”

The crisis also attracted reactions from other transport unions.

The factional Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Osun State, Akeem Kareem, accused the state government of political interference, alleging that members who do not align with the ruling party are being victimised.

Kareem also said members had lost confidence in the leadership of the state chairman, Comrade Jelili Abioye, and demanded his immediate removal.

Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to arrest anyone found responsible for disturbing the peace in the state.

“If my child is found wanting, arrest him,” the governor declared.