Osun govt warns unauthorised groups claiming control of commercial drivers

The Osun State Government has issued a stern warning to any unauthorized groups claiming authority over commercial drivers within the state.

The state government, through the Ministry of Transport, also cautioned that such actions could lead to legal consequences.

In a statement released on Friday, made available to DAILY POST, the Commissioner for Transportation, Sesan Oyedele, maintained that the only government-recognized body in charge of commercial drivers in Osun State is the Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS), led by Wakil Nurudeen Alowonle.

Oyedele, in the statement, urged the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to refrain from activities that could destabilize the state’s transport sector.

Oyedele highlighted that the state has experienced a period of stability and order in its commercial transport sector under OSTMS’s supervision.

He advised residents and commuters to ensure their safety by boarding only vehicles displaying the OSTMS logo at motor parks.

“The government values the security of our people, and the OSTMS is the only body we can confidently endorse.”

The ministry also said the notice served as a reminder to all transport stakeholders to align with state-approved regulations and avoid any actions that might disturb public peace.

The statement reads, “How can a body that is not recognized by the government be boasting that it will dislodge a sitting government? Are they saying that they want to cause chaos in the state?”

“Osun State has been peaceful and moving forward under the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke. Commercial drivers in the state have been under the control of the Osun State Transport Management System.

“I am using this medium to warn whichever group is parading itself as the body in charge of commercial drivers in the state to desist from it henceforth, as the law will not take it lightly with them.”

The statement is coming after the leadership of NURTW in the state, led by Kazeem Oyewale, vowed that it will vote out Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2026.

This decision was taken by the leadership of the Osun NURTW at a meeting in Ilesa on Wednesday.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the Osun NURTW Central Working Committee (CWC), the Acting Chairman, Oyewale, said their decision was based on the fact that Governor Adeleke, on assumption of office, sacked members from operating and replaced them with the Park Manager system.

Oyewale, who decried the maltreatment meted out to the members of the union by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke since its inception, said no stone would be left unturned to ensure the return of the APC to government in 2026.

The acting NURTW Chairman, while acknowledging the non-partisanship of the union, noted that it has become imperative for the members to align with the political party that recognizes their existence and champions the welfare and general well-being of its members.

The union also dissociated itself from a former state chairman, Folorunso Salami, who had joined the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with some members.