Osun NURTW Chairman, Asiri Eniba, Condemns Ikire Motor Park Violence, Calls for Peace and Unity Among Transport Workers
Following the unfortunate incident that occurred at the Naira and Kobo Motor Park, Ikire, which reportedly led to the loss of lives, injuries to several individuals including a police officer, and widespread concern among residents and transport workers, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Osun State Council, Alhaji Oyewale Kazeem, popularly known as Asiri Eniba, has expressed deep sadness over the development and called for calm across all motor parks in the state.
Alhaji Oyewale Kazeem strongly condemns every act of violence, intimidation and confrontation capable of threatening the peace and safety of transport workers and members of the public. He described the incident as unfortunate and painful, noting that no disagreement over union administration or leadership should ever result in the loss of innocent lives.
In a statement personally signed by the chairman, who is widely regarded by his supporters as a peace-loving and responsible leader, stated that his commitment has always been to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and the welfare of transport workers across Osun State.
He called on all members of the union, irrespective of political affiliation, personal interest or group loyalty, to remain calm and resist any attempt to turn motor parks into centres of conflict.
“The lives of our members and the people of Osun State are more important than any disagreement. Motor parks are places where people earn their daily living, and they must not become arenas of violence. I appeal to everyone to embrace peace and allow lawful processes to guide us,” Alhaji Oyewale Kazeem said.
The chairman further stated that he does not support violence in any form and that his leadership remains committed to ensuring that transport workers operate in an atmosphere of peace, security and mutual respect.
He urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the Ikire incident and ensure that justice is served while avoiding actions that could further escalate tensions among union members.
Alhaji Oyewale Kazeem also appealed to the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, to rise above political considerations and ensure fairness, neutrality and respect for established union structures in the interest of peace across the state.
According to him, sustainable peace in Osun motor parks can only be achieved when recognised authorities and lawful administrative structures are allowed to function while all disagreements are resolved through dialogue and appropriate legal channels.
He noted that the people of Osun State deserve peaceful motor parks where drivers, passengers and transport workers can go about their lawful activities without fear or intimidation.
The NURTW Chairman therefore called on all stakeholders , government officials, union leaders, security agencies and transport workers to work together to end every form of violence and restore confidence in the state’s transport system.
“Osun belongs to everyone. Let us put peace first. No political difference, personal ambition or leadership disagreement should cost us the lives of our brothers and sisters. Together, we can rebuild trust and ensure that our motor parks remain places of peace and legitimate business,” he added.
