Faction takes over Osun NURTW office

Tension gripped Osogbo motor parks on Wednesday as a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) seized control of the union's state office. Kazeem Oyewale, a member of the All Progressives Congress, led supporters into the office, declaring himself chairman.

This takeover followed days of unrest, including protest marches and clashes between rival factions. The crisis escalated Monday when Oyewale's faction, accompanied by police, marched through major streets before confronting the group led by Nurudeen Alowonle, who had been managing the union's affairs. Alowonle is associated with the Accord party.

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I have taken over the state office. I am now in charge. As I speak with you, I am in the office as chairman.

In response to the escalating violence, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), comprising APC chairmen, announced the suspension of all public transport union activities in motor parks across the state. Lanre Balogun, Chairman of Ilesa East Local Government Area and Vice Chairman of ALGON, stated the decision was due to the "festering leadership crisis within the NURTW." ALGON also urged security agencies to secure the parks.

Despite the suspension, Oyewale and his supporters entered the NURTW state office in Osogbo. A video obtained by The PUNCH shows them entering the chairman's office. Oyewale confirmed his takeover, stating, "I have taken over the state office. I am now in charge." Attempts to reach Alowonle for comment were unsuccessful.

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union activities in the state, following the festering leadership crisis within the NURTW.