Ogun truck drivers seek govt intervention in leadership crisis

Truck drivers in Ogun State have urged the state government to intervene in an alleged leadership dispute within the association to prevent a breakdown of peace and unity among members.

The state’s Unified Truck Owners and Drivers Association made the call on Thursday at a news conference in Abeokuta, where its leaders rejected the emergence of one Moruf Bello, popularly known as Kaka, as chairman of the association, describing him as an impostor.

The association said it would not accept what it described as an attempt to impose an outsider on its members, warning that such a move could trigger tension among truck and trailer drivers across the state.

The leaders said the association had been operating peacefully and urged the government and other stakeholders to prevent any development capable of disrupting the existing peace.

Speaking at the conference, the Secretary of the association and President of the First Nigerian Tipper and Lorry Drivers Association, Chief Nureni Ogunsola, said the drivers were peace loving and did not want anything that could lead to a crisis.

Ogunsola said, “We are peace-loving people and we do not want anything that will cause crisis among our members. We are appealing to the government to intervene before the situation gets out of hand.

 “Our members have been working together peacefully, and we want that peace to continue. Nobody should do anything that will divide us or create unnecessary tension.”

 Another leader of the association, Alhaji Lateef Raimi, also urged members to remain calm and united, saying differences should be resolved through dialogue.

• My marriage… With Pastor Owolabi Ademola
• Tinubu healthy, fit to serve beyond 2027 — PDP chieftain Showunmi
• Ogun 2027: Yayi, Abiodun boast of landmark victory

He said, “We are appealing to all our members to maintain peace and unity. Whatever differences we may have should be resolved through dialogue and not confrontation.”

 The conference was also attended by other leaders, including Alao Bankole and Alhaji Alabede Quadri, who called on the relevant authorities to protect the existing structure of the association.

The leaders also dismissed Bello’s alleged claim to the chairmanship, insisting that Chief Isiaka Bamidele remained the authentic chairman of the association.

Raimi said, “Chief Isiaka Bamidele remains our chairman. We therefore urge our members and the government not to recognise anybody who is not part of the recognised leadership structure of the association.”

The leaders subsequently appealed to the government and other stakeholders to act promptly to prevent any development capable of threatening the peace and unity among truck drivers in the state.

 However, Bello declined to comment when contacted by our correspondent on Friday.

 He said, “I don’t have anything to say on that. The government will decide on that when it is time.”