Faction seizes Osun NURTW secretariat amid crisis

A faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osun State has forcibly taken control of the union's state secretariat, escalating a leadership crisis that has already led to violent clashes and a statewide suspension of transport union activities. The takeover on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, was led by Kazeem Oyewale, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) known as Asiri Eniba, who entered the office in the Oke Ijetu area of Osogbo.

Oyewale assumed control from Nurudeen Alowonle, a chieftain of the Accord Party who had been running the union's affairs. Oyewale confirmed the takeover, stating he was now in charge and describing the action as peaceful, following a vote of no confidence passed against Alowonle by union members. Attempts to reach Alowonle for comment were unsuccessful.

The move came just two days after violent clashes between rival factions on Monday, July 20, which caused panic across Osogbo. Supporters of Oyewale staged a protest march against Alowonle's leadership, moving through major streets before clashing with the opposing faction at the Old Garage motor park. The confrontation involved gunshots, disrupted business activities, and...