The leadership crisis rocking the Osun State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has escalated after a faction led by Kazeem Oyewale, popularly known as Asiri Eniba, took over the union’s state secretariat in Osogbo despite the suspension of the union’s activities.
Oyewale, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), assumed control of the secretariat located in the Ijetu area of Osogbo, displacing Wakili Nurudeen, also known as Alowonle, who had insisted he remained the legitimate leader based on a court ruling.
The latest development comes days after a violent clash between rival factions, which erupted when supporters of the Oyewale-led group staged a protest that disrupted business activities in the state capital.
The unrest led to the arrest of several suspects and heightened security concerns across the state.
In response to the violence, local government chairmen announced the suspension of NURTW activities, as well as the operations of the motorcycle riders’ union, to restore peace and order.
The crisis also triggered reports of gunshots in parts of Ilesa and Ile-Ife, raising fears among residents.
A video circulating on social media showed Oyewale arriving at the union’s secretariat with his supporters, inspecting offices and the main hall after taking control of the facility.
Confirming the development, Oyewale said he had officially resumed office, describing the takeover as peaceful.
He claimed that members of the union had passed a vote of no confidence in Nurudeen’s leadership, paving the way for his assumption of office.
Efforts to get a response from Nurudeen were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls seeking his reaction to the development.
