The newly inaugurated Caretaker Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osun State, Alhaji Kazeem Oyewale, popularly known as Ashiri Eniba, has declared an end to the union’s leadership crisis, assuring residents that peace has returned to motor parks across the state.
Oyewale made the announcement after officially assuming office on Saturday, saying union activities would fully resume following months of disputes that disrupted commercial transport operations.
The Osun State Council of the NURTW had been divided by a prolonged leadership tussle between the Oyewale faction and the group led by Nurudeen Wakili, popularly known as Alowonle.
The crisis led to protests, violence, the suspension of union activities in motor parks and disruptions to commercial transport across the state.
Despite opposition from the Osun State Government, Oyewale was appointed caretaker chairman by local government chairmen and later inaugurated by the union’s national leadership after the newly constituted executive members were invited to Abuja.
Speaking after taking office, Oyewale appealed to residents not to see commercial drivers as violent individuals, insisting that members of the union are responsible citizens committed to earning a living.
“Leadership changes are normal in every organisation. That is why we were invited to Abuja for our inauguration to officially take charge of the affairs of the Osun State Council,” he said.
He also urged the police to complete investigations into the deaths of union members recorded during the crisis, expressing hope that justice would be served.
Calling on members who had distanced themselves from the union, Oyewale encouraged them to return, stressing that the NURTW remains one united family.
“I want to assure residents that peace has returned to our motor parks and all issues have been resolved. Commercial activities will fully resume across our garages on Monday,” he stated.
He further appealed to the Osun State Government to work with the new leadership, saying the union is ready to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure peace and smooth transport operations.
Also speaking, the union’s Interim Secretary and Group 2 Chairman for Ife Federal Constituency, Ayinde Mutiu, confirmed that normal activities had resumed across motor parks.
He urged members to embrace peace and avoid actions capable of disrupting public order, maintaining that the recent leadership dispute had been resolved.
