NURTW Leadership Crisis Sparks Protests, Demands for Police Intervention in Osun State

A leadership crisis has erupted within the Osun State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), leading to widespread protests by its members. The demonstrators have passed a vote of no confidence in the factional state chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle, whom they accuse of becoming a significant security threat. Protesters allege that Alowonle's actions have crippled transportation businesses across the state and jeopardized passenger safety, driving many union members out of business due to a loss of public confidence. The demonstrations, which began early morning in major motor parks in Osogbo, saw participants carrying placards calling for Alowonle's arrest and improved security. They disrupted activities at several parks, urging passengers and operators to vacate premises amid escalating security concerns. Alhaji Fatai Oyegoke, the factional secretary of the NURTW, directly appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, highlighting the unnecessary crisis Alowonle has allegedly ignited. Oyegoke further claimed that Alowonle and another individual, Sikiru Oyeniyi, are implicated in the recent killings of Adelodun Olamilekan Lateef and others, which have led to retaliatory attacks and a pervasive atmosphere of fear among transport workers. The union is demanding that the police and other security agencies secure motor parks, protect their businesses, and ensure the safety of transport workers, urging the intensified efforts to apprehend Alowonle and Oyeniyi.

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We are out this morning to call the attention of the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Tunji Disu, to the crisis in the NURTW in Osun State. Alowonle has ignited unnecessary crisis in the state’s transportation system. He was alleged to have been in possession of arms and ammunition. We can no longer do our business, and that is our only means of livelihood.