Governor Ademola Adeleke has banned all activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in motor parks across Osun State, directing security agencies to arrest anyone operating or representing the union in the state’s parks.
The directive followed a meeting of the Osun State Security Council on Thursday and is aimed at restoring order in motor parks and ending the collection of levies by the union.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government said the governor instructed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately halt all NURTW operations across the state.
“The Governor has directed the Police and other security agencies to put a stop to all activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) forthwith in all our motor parks across the state. This order is to put a stop to the collection of all levies in our parks,” the statement said.
Adeleke clarified that the order does not require the closure of motor parks but prohibits anyone from operating under the banner of the NURTW.
“I hereby direct the Police and other security agents to stop all activities of the union in all our parks across the state. I’m not saying you should close the parks, but you should not allow anyone to operate in the parks in the name of the union. Anyone found contravening this order should be arrested for disturbance of public peace,” the governor said.
Osun State Security Concerns
The latest directive comes amid heightened tensions involving transport union activities in the state. It follows recent security concerns, including the reported killing of an NURTW member and the prosecution of a union chieftain over an alleged murder case.
The Osun State Government said the measure is intended to maintain public order, prevent further disturbances, and ensure that motor parks operate without unlawful collection of levies or activities capable of disrupting the peace.
The ban is more significant when placed against the backdrop of the forthcoming Osun state governorship elections scheduled for August where the Governor would be seeking reelection on the platform of Accord Party.
