Transport Union Members, Civil Society Group Protest in Osun, Demand Leadership Change Over Security Concerns

Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and a civil society organization took to the streets of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Monday to demand leadership changes within the union. The protesters specifically called for the removal of Nurudeen Alowonle, a factional chairman of the NURTW, citing escalating security concerns.

“

the ongoing leadership crisis within the union had adversely affected transport operations and the livelihoods of members across the state.

The demonstration, which traversed major routes including Old Garage, MDS, Olaiya, Aregbe Motor Park, Fakunle, and Fagbewesa, saw participants expressing deep dissatisfaction with Alowonle's faction. They passed a vote of no confidence in his leadership, temporarily disrupting activities at some motor parks as they urged operators and passengers to voice their grievances.

Alhaji Fatai Oyegoke, the factional Secretary of the NURTW, addressed journalists, alleging that the ongoing leadership crisis has negatively impacted transport operations and the livelihoods of union members across the state. He further claimed that recent security incidents linked to the dispute have instilled fear among transport workers and passengers, necessitating enhanced security measures at motor parks.

“

recent security incidents linked to the crisis had created fear among transport workers and passengers, prompting calls for increased security at motor parks.

Oyegoke appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to intervene by bolstering security around motor parks and ensuring the safety of all users. He also called for a comprehensive investigation into recent violent incidents and the prosecution of those responsible. Comrade Omololu Abidoye, Director of Mobilisation for the Local Government Development Initiative (LGDI), echoed these concerns, emphasizing that public safety and peace should take precedence over internal union disputes.

“

maintaining peace and protecting lives and property should take priority over the leadership dispute within the transport union.

The factional Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Osun State, Akeem Kareem, also criticized the handling of the union's internal affairs, alleging unfair treatment of some members due to political differences. He stated that his faction has lost confidence in the current leadership and called for internal reforms. Efforts to obtain a comment from Alowonle's faction were unsuccessful, with a representative stating they were not authorized to speak. The allegations made by the protesters could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.

“

members of my faction had lost confidence in the current leadership and called for changes within the union.