BY DAYO JOHNSON
AKURE — AT least five persons were injured in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday, as factions within the state chapter of  the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, engaged in a bloody clash over leadership.

The crisis within the union deepened last week when a mock coffin was carried round the state capital by a faction of the union against the return of the suspended state chairman, Obayoriade Obadutele.

However, Vanguard learnt that trouble started when some union workers resumed for their normal duty around 6.30 am to collect tickets and sign the daily register.

One branch officer, Mr Samuel Ademeko, said to be one of the supporters of the embattled chairman, was prevented from collecting and signing the register.

In return, Ademeko also insisted that if he was denied, no one else would sign the register.

While this argument ensued, some leaders reportedly mobilised some thugs who stormed the office and there was a  bloody clash

The atmosphere was charged and there was confusion as the suspected thugs used short guns, machetes and charms.

Those injured were rushed to police hospital and state specialist hospital for treatment.

An unconfirmed report alleged that yesterday’s clash had to also do with the  surprise return of the suspended chairman to the office located along Akure-Owo road.

Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, said he had not been properly briefed by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in the area.

A faction of the union protested  to the Governor’s Office, Government House and round the major streets with various placards last week.

The protesters who were drawn from various branches of the union said they will resist the imposition of the  embattled chairman  of the union  Obayoriade.

Their spokesperson Mayowa Olofinniyi asked the state government to help re-organise the state council of the union to prevent further crisis.

Olofinniyi  said the protest was necessitated by the alleged move of a government official (names withheld) to impose the chairman on them.

The National Secretariat of the union suspended Obayoriade  over allegation of printing of illegal tickets of the union while the executive of the union in the state were spared.

According to the National body the suspension of Obayoriade was to allow for proper investigation of allegations leveled against him.