Osun Motor Parks: Let the Legitimate Authority Be Respected
An Open Appeal to the Governor of Osun State and the Good People of Osun State
The ongoing controversy surrounding the administration of motor parks across Osun State requires urgent attention, particularly to prevent further violence and protect the livelihoods of thousands of transport workers. At the centre of this matter is a simple question: who is the legitimate authority presently entrusted with the administration of the NURTW in Osun State?
Following the expiration of the tenure of the previous leadership headed by Mr. Nurudeen Alowonle, popularly known as Ola Mummy, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), under the leadership of its National President, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as Oluomo, constituted a caretaker committee for Osun State and appointed Alhaji Oyewale Kazeem, popularly known as Asiri Eniba, as the Caretaker Chairman, alongside other members.
It is important to state clearly that Asiri Eniba is the legitimate chairman presently recognised by the national leadership of the NURTW to oversee the affairs of the union and its motor parks in Osun State. His committee was not self-appointed; it was constituted by the apex leadership of the union. The arrangement also received the support of the Osun State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
It is therefore unacceptable for any individual or group to use force, intimidation or political influence to displace a duly constituted leadership. The alleged attempts by members of the former leadership and their supporters to forcefully take over motor parks, resulting in reported confrontations, injuries and disruption of transport activities, should not be allowed to continue.
We respectfully appeal to His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, to recognise the importance of allowing the legitimate and duly constituted leadership under Asiri Eniba to carry out its responsibilities without interference, while any dispute concerning the leadership of the parks should be resolved through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
An electoral victory should never be interpreted as a licence for anyone to disregard existing administrative or union structures. Democracy is founded on the rule of law, and the rule of law means that no individual, group or political interest should be allowed to replace a recognised authority through force.
We equally call on the security agencies to protect lives and property and ensure that nobody is permitted to invade motor parks, attack transport workers or disrupt lawful activities. If anyone has legitimate grievances against Asiri Eniba or his committee, the proper avenue is dialogue, investigation or the courts—not violence.
We urge Alhaji Oyewale Kazeem (Asiri Eniba), Alhaji Nurudeen Alowonle and their respective supporters to remain calm and law-abiding. No disagreement over motor-park leadership is worth the loss of human life.
Governor Adeleke has an opportunity to demonstrate true democratic leadership by ensuring that the legitimate authority recognised by the NURTW is respected and that all parties operate within the confines of the law.
Osun State deserves peace. Our motor parks must remain places where drivers and transport workers can earn their legitimate livelihoods without fear, intimidation or violence.
We therefore appeal to the government and the good people of Osun State: respect the constituted authority, uphold the rule of law, and allow Alhaji Oyewale Kazeem (Asiri Eniba), the duly constituted Caretaker Chairman of NURTW Osun State, to perform his responsibilities peacefully.
Osun belongs to all of us. Let justice prevail, let peace reign, and let the legitimate authority be respected.
Up National! Progress!