TRANSPORT UNION VIOLENCE: The NURTW figures whose deaths shaped Lagos’ troubled history

The killing of the organising secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, renewed public attention on a long history of violent attacks involving transport union leaders and members in Lagos.

Ajiboye died after sustaining gunshot injuries when unidentified gunmen attacked his vehicle in the Fadeyi area on in July, and his burial on Tuesday drew relatives, transport workers, political associates and sympathisers.

His death adds to a growing list of prominent transport union figures whose lives have been lost in incidents linked to political rivalry, leadership disputes, motor park supremacy battles and organised violence over nearly two decades.

Alhaji Saula Saka (2008)

One of the earliest major cases occurred on January 6, 2008, when the then Lagos State chairman of the NURTW, Alhaji Saula Saka, was shot dead by gunmen at his residence in Iyana Ipaja.

Human rights groups later called for an independent investigation into the assassination and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

Azeez Otun (Ashake) (2014)

Azeez Otun, popularly known as Ashake, was killed on September 20, 2014, during violence that followed a Peoples Democratic Party rally at Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island.

The incident also resulted in the deaths of two other persons, while seven suspects were arrested before the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions advised that they be released for lack of sufficient evidence.

Olayemi Eniola (Esi Oluwo) (2015)

Oshodi transport union leader Olayemi Eniola, widely known as Esi Oluwo or Baba Esi, died in April 2015 after sustaining injuries during a violent clash connected to political activities in Oshodi.

His death heightened tension in the area and revived concerns about the relationship between transport union politics and electoral violence.

Kunle Mamowora (Mammok) (2015)

Kunle Mamowora, popularly called Mammok, who served as chief security officer to former Lagos NURTW chairman Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, was shot dead near his family residence in Oshodi.

Investigations did not publicly identify those responsible, although two men were later remanded by a Lagos magistrates’ court in connection with the alleged murder and possession of firearms.

Rasaq Bello (Hamburger) (2017)

Rasaq Bello, popularly known as Hamburger, was killed on May 29, 2017, during violence that erupted at the All Progressives Congress local government primary election in Oshodi.

The clash reportedly involved rival groups, and his death triggered panic among residents who feared retaliatory attacks.

Ganiyu Ayinla (Pinero) (2018)

Ganiyu Ayinla, popularly called Pinero, was shot dead on Lagos Island in January 2018 while accompanying the chairman of the Idumota branch of the NURTW.

Police later arrested four suspects and alleged that the attack was connected to impending transport union elections.

Ismaila Azeez Ibrahim (Legacy) (2019)

Violence again surfaced during the APC governorship campaign in January 2019 when Ismaila Azeez Ibrahim, known as Legacy, was stabbed to death during clashes involving rival transport union members.

The incident reinforced concerns about the recurring overlap between transport union disputes and political activities in Lagos.

Samuel Kayode (Ekpo Kinkin) (2021)

Samuel Kayode, popularly known as Ekpo Kinkin and vice-chairman of the NURTW in Agboju, was shot dead in July 2021 during an APC rally in Oriade Local Council Development Area.

Union officials said he was attempting to protect another politician when gunmen opened fire, and the police subsequently commenced investigations.

Sulaimon Lawal Onaolapo (Arikuyeri) (2022)

Sulaimon Lawal Onaolapo, popularly called Arikuyeri, was killed in August 2022 during a violent clash over control of motor parks in the Mile 12 area of Lagos.

Police confirmed the killing and stated that security operatives later restored calm in the area.

Toba Ajiboye (Toba Ijaya) (2026)

The latest victim, Toba Ajiboye, was attacked by gunmen while leaving the Fadeyi area after visiting childhood friends.

Three other occupants of his vehicle sustained gunshot injuries and were hospitalised, while the Lagos State Police Command said it had launched a manhunt for the assailants and commenced investigations into the attack.

The succession of killings involving transport union figures across Lagos reflects a persistent pattern of violence surrounding the state’s transport union politics.

Although police investigations have followed many of the incidents, several cases remain unresolved and convictions have either not been secured or have yet to be publicly established.

Ajiboye’s death has again prompted calls for stronger security measures and reforms aimed at reducing violent rivalry within the transport sector and preventing political and union disputes from ending in bloodshed.