By Dayo Johnson, Akure

A group, Active Success and Empowerment Initiative for Human Rights (ASEI), has called on the Ondo State government and relevant stakeholders to allow the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) operate lawfully and without interference.

In a statement by Olaniyi Olamide, a lawyer and member of ASEI, the group emphasized that the Court of Appeal had affirmed Professor Tajudeen Baruwa as the legitimate National President of the NURTW, granting him constitutional authority over the union’s affairs, including in Ondo State.

Olamide urged stakeholders in the state to respect the court ruling and allow the Ondo NURTW to function in line with the law.

The statement reads: “It is on record that various factions emerged within the NURTW Ondo State chapter due to:

Failure to conduct democratic elections for a new Chairman after the expiration of Jacob Adebo’s (Idajo) tenure, as a result of interference by the Ondo State Government.

Imposition of a group on NURTW members in the state.

Forceful takeover of motor parks and administrative offices by the state government.

Partial allowance of certain factions to conduct business activities, while others were excluded.

Lack of recognition for the legitimate NURTW executives in Ondo State.”

Olamide further highlighted that the NURTW Caretaker Committee, led by Comrade Oluwatoyin Adeoye, had secured a favorable judgment from the National Industrial Court in Akure. However, the Ondo State Government reportedly ignored the court’s decision.

He added: “The Ondo State Government and its officials have been taken to the Federal High Court in Akure for disobeying the court’s decision and the Enrolment of Order issued to vacate unauthorized persons from NURTW motor parks.

“Additionally, the Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered its judgment on November 8, 2024, declaring Prof. Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa as the duly elected National President of NURTW. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation also ordered his resumption of office on November 18, 2024.”

Olamide stressed that the NURTW, being a registered organization under federal laws, must operate without interference from state governments.

“We urge NURTW members, stakeholders, and relevant authorities in Ondo State to respect the court decisions and abide by them, or face the consequences of violating the rule of law,” the statement concluded.