Despite MC Oluomo’s Claim, Makinde’s Oyo Govt Still Keeps NURTW Suspended, Adopts PMS to Manage Motor Parks
By Our Reporter
The controversy surrounding the proscription of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has reignited following the Osun State Government’s decision to ban the union, with NURTW National President, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, insisting that no state governor has the constitutional power to outlaw the union.
MC Oluomo’s position came in response to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent directive suspending the activities of the NURTW in Osun State over security concerns and the need to maintain public order.
However, the situation has drawn attention to neighbouring Oyo State, where Governor Seyi Makinde banned the NURTW from operating in motor parks shortly after assuming office in 2019. Since then, the Oyo State Government has retained control of motor park operations through government-backed management structures, while the union has remained largely absent from official park administration.
Despite MC Oluomo’s claim that governors lack the legal authority to ban the union, Makinde’s policy has remained in force for years without the NURTW regaining control of motor parks in Oyo State.
The development has sparked fresh debate over the extent of state governments’ powers to regulate transport unions, especially where such actions are justified on grounds of public safety, security and the maintenance of law and order.
With Osun now following a similar path, political and legal observers are watching closely to see whether the latest confrontation between the Adeleke administration and the NURTW will result in a legal challenge or further federal intervention.
