Protests Erupt in Osun State Over NURTW Leadership Crisis
Yinka Kolawole from Osogbo reports that members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) organized widespread protests across major motor parks in Osun State. The demonstrations were aimed at expressing their lack of confidence in the union’s elected chairman, Nurudeen Arowonlu.
Protesters voiced serious concerns over Arowonlu’s leadership, alleging that he has become a security threat to the union, disrupting transport services across the state and endangering passenger safety. Many commuters have reportedly lost faith in the reliability of public transportation in recent years, largely due to Arowonlu’s actions, which have forced numerous union members out of business.
The protests began at 6:30 a.m. and quickly spread to various motor parks in Osogbo, the state capital. Demonstrators held placards demanding Arowonlu’s arrest and called for heightened security measures at motor parks throughout Osun State.
The protesters disrupted operations at several motor parks, urging passengers and transport operators to leave the premises as they cited a worsening security situation. This civil unrest highlighted the tension that has been brewing within the transport community.
Alhaji Fatai Oyegoke, the factional secretary of NURTW, addressed the media, asserting that Arowonlu’s conduct is detrimental to transport operations within the state. He indicated that the alleged actions of Arowonlu, particularly concerning political matters, have negatively impacted the livelihoods of those in the transport sector. He cautioned that if the situation remains unresolved, it could further compromise public safety in Osun.
Oyegoke emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We sought to alert the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, to the NURTW crisis. Arowonlu has created an unnecessary turmoil within the state’s transport system.” He claimed that Arowonlu is believed to be armed, exacerbating fears for the safety of transport operators and commuters alike.
Moreover, Oyegoke alleged that in the past week, Arowonlu and his associate Sikiru Oyeniyi have been implicated in violent incidents, including the murder of Aderodun Olamilekan Lateef. This violence has led to retaliatory attacks at various motor parks, raising significant safety concerns among transport workers. He called upon police and security agencies to secure motor parks and safeguard their operations.
During the protest, Omolol Abidoye, Mobilization Director of the Local Government Development Initiative (LGDI), voiced concerns over the police’s inaction, calling it a reflection of a broken system. He stressed the need for immediate intervention, stating that public safety should take precedence over political disputes within the union.
Abidoye pointed to alarming allegations against Arowonlu, including his purported role in the murder of a fellow transport worker and the death of innocent bystanders. He urged the police to take a more active role in protecting the community and investigating Arowonlu and Oyeniyi. Similarly, Akeem Kareem, factional secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Osun State, pointed to partisan treatment of union members who are not aligned with the ruling party, further complicating the leadership crisis. He echoed the call for new leadership, asserting that confidence in current officials has eroded significantly.
