Osun ALGON Suspends Transport Union Activities Over Rising Violence

OSOGBO – The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, has suspended the activities of all transport unions across the state following a series of violent clashes linked to rival groups operating in public motor parks.

The decision, announced on Monday in Osogbo, is aimed at preventing further escalation of violence and restoring public safety.

Speaking on behalf of the ALGON Chairman, the association’s Vice Chairman, Lanre Balogun, said the suspension takes immediate effect across all public motor parks in the state.

According to Balogun, recent factional disputes within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have resulted in violent incidents, including the killing of a toddler and the shooting of an elderly man who is currently receiving medical treatment.

He noted that the clashes have sparked reprisal attacks and prompted repeated security operations at motor parks to apprehend suspected criminals.

Balogun expressed concern that motor parks were gradually becoming criminal hideouts, discouraging residents from using the state’s primary transportation system.

He also disclosed that fresh protests erupted at motor parks and garages across Osun on Monday, creating tension before security personnel intervened.

As part of measures to restore order, ALGON directed that the activities of all transport unions, including motorcycle and tricycle operators, be suspended in all public motor parks across the state.

The association further called on security agencies to immediately take over motor parks and garages in the 30 local government areas and the Ife East Area Office, Modakeke, to safeguard lives and property.

It also urged the Nigeria Police Force to intensify efforts to arrest individuals allegedly connected to the recent violence, including NURTW factional leader Nurudeen Alowonle, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Balogun said the action was backed by Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers local government councils to regulate motor parks and maintain public order.

He maintained that local government authorities could not remain passive while facilities under their jurisdiction were allegedly being used in ways that threaten peace and security.

“If the Governor chooses political considerations over public safety, we, as elected local government chairmen, cannot fold our arms and allow facilities under our lawful authority to become threats to peace and security,” Balogun said.