Osun ALGON suspends transport union activities over rising violence

Osun State's Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has suspended the activities of all transport unions in the state after reports of escalating violence involving rival factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The decision comes amid growing concerns over the safety of both citizens and transport workers, with officials citing recent clashes that have led to fatalities and injuries. The suspension was announced by Mr Lanre Balogun, the vice chairman of ALGON, speaking on behalf of the chairman during a press briefing in Osogbo on Monday. Balogun stated that the move was necessary to prevent further escalation of tensions and to protect public safety. He highlighted several incidents, including the alleged killing of a toddler and the shooting of an elderly man who is still receiving medical treatment. These events, according to Balogun, have sparked a cycle of retaliatory attacks and increased security operations at motor parks throughout the state. The suspension applies to all public motor parks in Osun State, including those operated by motorcycle and tricycle unions. Balogun emphasized that the motor parks have increasingly become targets for criminal activity, leading to a loss of public trust in the transportation infrastructure. He noted that the current system is essential for daily mobility across the state and that the safety of users must be prioritized. In addition to suspending union activities, ALGON has called upon security agencies to assume control of all motor parks and garages across the 30 local government areas, including the Ife East Area Office in Modakeke. The association urged the police to intensify efforts to apprehend individuals linked to the recent violence, specifically mentioning Nurudeen Alowonle, a factional leader of the NURTW. Balogun argued that the suspension is supported by constitutional provisions, particularly Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants local governments the responsibility to regulate motor parks and ensure public order. Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned the violence that erupted following a protest by a faction of the NURTW. The protest was directed against Nurudeen Wakili, also known as Alowonle, who is accused of using the union as a platform for political violence. In response, Adeleke instructed security agencies to arrest Kazeem Oyewole, known as Asiri Eniba, a leader of the opposing faction. Through a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed concern that the dispute could threaten public peace and warned that the administration may revisit the Park Management System if the situation does not improve. Adeleke also emphasized that his government would not tolerate actions that endanger public safety or disrupt economic activities. He stressed that the incident highlights the need for greater discipline among union members and urged the Alowonle-led faction to bring its members under control. The governor reiterated his commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring that no group undermines the stability of the state. As the situation unfolds, both ALGON and the state government continue to push for resolution, with calls for increased security measures and stricter enforcement of union regulations. The ongoing conflict underscores the challenges faced by local governance in managing the complex dynamics of labor unions and public safety. With tensions high and multiple stakeholders involved, the coming days will likely see further developments as authorities work to de-escalate the crisis.