By Samson Chinedu, Abuja

The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has rejected the decision of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to suspend the activities of the union across motor parks in the state, insisting that no governor possesses the constitutional authority to proscribe or halt the operations of a registered trade union.

The dispute follows Governor Adeleke’s directive on Thursday ordering the immediate suspension of all NURTW activities in motor parks across Osun State. The governor also directed security agencies to stop the collection of levies by the union and arrest anyone parading himself as a union official in the state’s motor parks.

The state government justified the action on the grounds of growing security concerns arising from a prolonged leadership tussle and factional clashes within the transport union, which have reportedly disrupted commercial activities and heightened tensions in several parts of the state.

Authorities said the decision was reached after deliberations at a meeting of the Osun State Security Council attended by heads of security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services, military representatives, NSCDC and other stakeholders. The government argued that urgent measures were necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

However, reacting to the development, MC Oluomo described the suspension as unlawful and unconstitutional, maintaining that the NURTW remains a legally recognised national trade union whose operations cannot be suspended by any state government through executive pronouncement.

He argued that while governors have responsibilities relating to public order and security within their states, they do not possess the legal powers to dissolve, ban or suspend the activities of a nationally registered labour organisation.

The NURTW president further maintained that any disputes concerning the union’s leadership or operations should be resolved through the appropriate legal and regulatory institutions rather than by executive directives from state governments.

The controversy comes amid escalating tensions in Osun’s transport sector, where rival groups have been involved in disputes over control of motor parks and revenue collection. The situation prompted the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state to earlier suspend the activities of transport unions in public motor parks and introduce caretaker arrangements to manage the facilities pending the resolution of the crisis.

Governor Adeleke has repeatedly expressed concerns over alleged attempts by political and transport union actors to destabilise motor parks across the state, warning that the government would not tolerate actions capable of threatening public peace and security.

Despite the governor’s directive, the NURTW leadership insists that the union will explore all lawful avenues to challenge the suspension, setting the stage for a possible legal battle over the extent of state government powers in regulating the activities of trade unions operating within their jurisdictions.

Political observers believe the dispute could test the balance between a governor’s responsibility to maintain public order and the constitutional protections enjoyed by registered labour and trade organisations under Nigerian law.

As security agencies move to enforce the governor’s directive, attention is expected to shift to the courts, where the legality of the suspension and the future of NURTW operations in Osun State may ultimately be determined.