The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has called upon the Lagos State Governor, Bababjide Sanwo-Olu, and the Commissioner of Police, to intervene urgently in an ongoing dispute within the transport union. The RTEAN in Lagos has accused the committee, led by Oba Raji Adeshina of Iba, of subjecting its members to acts of terror.
Earlier, Governor Sanwo-Olu dissolved the RTEAN and installed a caretaker committee in its place. However, the National Industrial Court (NIC), Lagos Division, later issued a ruling that the union be reinstated, with its officials returning to their positions. This verdict came in response to a lawsuit filed by the aggrieved party.
Of significant note in the court’s decision was a restraining order against Oba Adeshina Raji, preventing him from harassing, intimidating, or interfering with the lawful duties of transport union members.
During a media briefing, the acting Chairman of RTEAN, Aransiola Qudus, leveled accusations against the committee, claiming that its members had persistently harassed and intimidated RTEAN members.
Qudus stated, “We have been informed that Oba Adeshina Raji and his committee members have continuously harassed, intimidated, and molested our union members without justification. These actions are in direct violation of the court’s judgment.”
He further urged RTEAN members to remain patient and await the response of the Lagos State Government regarding the court’s ruling, while carrying out their lawful activities.
“On June 16, one of our members, Azeez Gbalanga, was attacked and beaten. We reported the incident to the Ajangbadi Police Station, and he was promptly taken to the Badagry General Hospital for treatment,” Qudus added.
“The violent actions against our members blatantly disregard the content and context of the court’s judgment. We sincerely hope that the Commissioner of Police will take action to prevent the nefarious activities of Oba Raji and his associates,” Qudus concluded.
In response to these allegations, Oba Adeshina Raji denied any knowledge of the attack. He asserted that on the mentioned date, he was present at the State House to witness the swearing-in ceremony of one of their daughters as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
“I have no knowledge of this matter. As a monarch, why would I order thugs to assault individuals who are naturally my subjects? It simply does not make sense,” Oba Adeshina Raji stated.
He further urged the RTEAN to resolve its internal conflicts and refrain from involving him in their affairs.
The RTEAN implores Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to swiftly address the situation and prevent any further escalation of violence. Their hope is to maintain Lagos as a peaceful and welcoming state, as the government has tirelessly worked towards ensuring a peaceful and progressive environment over the years.
The Commissioner of Police for Lagos Command is expected to act promptly and decisively to put an end to the nefarious activities allegedly committed by Oba Adeshina Raji and his associates, thereby safeguarding the peace and security of the state.
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