……order police to takeover
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, has announced the immediate suspension of the activities of all transport unions operating in public motor parks across Osun State, citing worsening insecurity and recurring violence linked to the leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The resolution was announced on Monday during a joint press conference in Osogbo addressed by the Vice Chairman of ALGON in Osun State and Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Hon. Lanre Balogun, alongside the Chairman of Olorunda North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Mohammed Gazal Kazeem.
The local government leaders expressed concern over what they described as the deteriorating security situation in motor parks and garages across the state, alleging that persistent clashes and criminal activities have endangered commuters, transport operators, and residents.
According to ALGON, the prolonged leadership crisis within the NURTW has allegedly fueled repeated outbreaks of violence, turning several motor parks into flashpoints for unrest.
The association referenced recent violent incidents in Osogbo allegedly involving a faction of the NURTW led by Nurudeen Alowonle. ALGON claimed the violence resulted in the death of a toddler and left an elderly man with gunshot injuries. It also alleged that the incidents triggered reprisal attacks and repeated security operations in motor parks as law enforcement agencies searched for suspects.
The chairmen accused the Osun State Government of failing to take decisive action to address the security concerns, stating that the continued unrest has eroded public confidence in the state’s motor park system, which remains a major means of transportation for thousands of residents.
They further noted that fresh tension erupted in motor parks and garages across the state on Monday following protests before officers of the Nigeria Police Force intervened to restore calm.
Citing the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), ALGON maintained that the administration and regulation of public motor parks are constitutional responsibilities of Local Government Councils.
The association specifically referred to Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, which empowers local governments to regulate motor parks, maintain public order, reduce violence, and enhance internally generated revenue.
Based on these constitutional provisions, ALGON announced the immediate suspension of the activities of all transport unions operating in public motor parks across the 30 Local Government Areas and the Ife East Area Office (Modakeke). The directive also applies to motorcycle and tricycle unions.
The association called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately take over all public motor parks and garages across the state to ensure the protection of lives and property.
ALGON also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest Nurudeen Alowonle and any other persons alleged to have been involved in the recent killings, insisting that those responsible should be brought to justice to restore lasting peace.
The local government chairmen said they would continue consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other critical stakeholders before announcing further measures aimed at addressing the situation.
They expressed optimism that the decisions reached would restore order to public motor parks, strengthen security, and rebuild public confidence in the state’s transport system.