Governor Ademola Adeleke
- Factional ALGON suspends transport union activities in Osun motor parks
By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned the violent disturbances recorded on Monday in some motor parks in Osogbo and called on security agencies to immediately arrest individuals allegedly involved in the attacks, including one identified as Asiri Eniba.
He spoke just as the factional Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapte announced the immediate suspension of the activities of all transport unions operating in public motor parks across the state following escalating violence and growing security concerns linked to the leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The governorcondemned what he described as coordinated attacks on public peace in Osogbo, alleging that innocent commuters and residents were subjected to sporadic gunfire during the disturbances.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor alleged that videos circulating on social media showed an individual identified as Asiri Eniba and his associates moving around motor parks while allegedly accompanied by a large contingent of police officers.
“The video of sporadic shooting by Asiri and his gang is everywhere on social media. Lorry loads of policemen accompanied Asiri and his group as they paraded across motor parks in the state,” the governor said.
Adeleke disclosed that he had personally contacted the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies, urging them to ensure the immediate arrest of those allegedly responsible for the attacks.
“I have personally called the attention of the Inspector-General of Police and other service chiefs to these open attacks on public peace. I demand the immediate arrest of Asiri Eniba for this open defiance of public security,” the governor stated.
The governor further warned that his administration could review its support for the current NURTW leadership if the violence persisted.
Expressing confidence in the leadership of the union under Nurudeen Alowonle to restore peace, Adeleke said the government would not hesitate to reintroduce the Park Management System if the situation deteriorated further.
“I believe the Alowonle leadership of the Osun NURTW will call its people to order. If this Asiri Eniba’s disorderly conduct continues, our government may be forced to revert to the Park Management System across Osun motor parks,” he added.
.Speaking with jiurnalists in Osogbo, the Chairman of Ilesa East Local Government and Vice Chairman of ALGON loyal to APC in Osun State, Hon. Lanre Balogun, who spoke on behalf of the association, said the suspension aimed at restoring peace and safeguarding lives and property across the state’s motor parks.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately assume control of all public motor parks and garages in the 30 local government areas and the Ife East Area Office (Modakeke), pending the restoration of normalcy.
Balogun said the decision followed what he described as persistent violence, killings and criminal activities allegedly associated with the leadership crisis within the NURTW, which he said had disrupted commercial transport operations and endangered commuters and transport workers.
According to him, motor parks across the state had become flashpoints for violent confrontations, creating fear among residents and threatening public safety.
He alleged that the lingering crisis within the transport union had degenerated into violent clashes capable of undermining law and order, adding that recent attacks in Osogbo, which reportedly resulted in deaths and injuries, had further heightened concerns over security in the state.
Although investigations by security agencies are still ongoing, ALGON maintained that urgent intervention had become necessary to prevent further bloodshed.
The association also accused the Osun State Government of failing to take decisive steps to address the situation, alleging that political considerations had hindered efforts to restore order in motor parks.
Balogun further noted that repeated security operations in motor parks in search of suspected criminals had increased public anxiety and weakened confidence in the park and garage system, which remains the major means of transportation for thousands of residents across the state.
He said the temporary suspension of transport union activities would remain in force until security agencies are satisfied that normalcy has been restored.
Monday’s developments came amid growing concerns over security across Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with political actors exchanging accusations over the recent violence.
The latest suspension of transport union activities and the governor’s call for arrests underscore the heightened tension surrounding the state’s motor parks, as security agencies intensify efforts to prevent further breakdown of law and order and reassure residents ahead of the governorship poll
