The Motorcycle Operators’ Union of Nigeria (MOUN), specifically its Lagos branch, has raised significant concerns regarding alleged attempts by a traditional ruler and officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to hijack the union, in defiance of the directives set forth by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This situation not only threatens the integrity of the union but also undermines the governor’s efforts to properly establish and certify the organization’s operations in the state. MOUN, represented by its counsel Jiti Ogunye and union chairman Taiwo Adetunji, held a media press conference to express these grievances and call for urgent government intervention to prevent a looming conflict over the management of the union’s structure.
According to union officials, efforts to derail MOUN’s authority appear to be coordinated, with the state’s Ministry of Transportation allegedly working collaboratively with the traditional ruler. They claim that, following the governor’s approval for MOUN to serve as the sole collectors of tolls for motorcyclists in Lagos, there has been an attempt to manipulate the union’s oversight by facilitating a transfer of its recognized authority to the monarch. Segun Ajomole, the union’s secretary, recounted attempts by ministry officials to coerce union members into signing agreements that would hand over control of the organization, but these efforts have been met with resistance and firm rejection from the union.
The situation escalated as the union revealed that the Ministry of Justice had completed a legal framework, as sanctioned by the governor, to formally recognize the MOUN. However, key officials in the Ministry of Transportation allegedly obstructed this process, keeping critical documentation from reaching the union. Ogunye highlighted this manipulation as a blatant attempt to undermine the directives intended to establish MOUN as a legitimate entity in Lagos’s transport sector. The union’s leadership insists that these actions represent a conspiratorial effort to divert recognition and benefits towards the traditional ruler, further complicating the operational landscape for motorcycle operators in the state.
Tensions are reportedly rising within the transport community in Lagos as various union leaders are beginning to align with either the MOUN or the conflicting interests allegedly supported by the transported ministry officials and the traditional ruler. Ogunye characterized these developments as a gross misconduct that could result in a significant disruption unless there is immediate intervention from the state government. The union asserts that the attempts to divert the governor’s approval represent not only an undermining of their existence but also a corrupt effort that should attract serious accountability measures.
Despite these serious claims, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation dismissed the accusations as unfounded. He asserted that the ministry operates impartially concerning the internal matters of transport unions and claimed to maintain a harmonious relationship with all involved parties. He refuted any knowledge of the alleged Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) discussed at the press conference and portrayed the ministry’s actions as committed to fostering peace among the conflicting factions within the transport sector.
Attempts to engage the traditional ruler for comment on the matter were unsuccessful, leaving further cloud over the allegations made by the union. As the situation remains unresolved, the MOUN stands firm in its demand for justice and recognition. By escalating their grievances into the public domain, they seek not only to safeguard their interests but also to maintain the structural integrity of the motorcycle transport system within Lagos, which is essential for many operators relying on these services for their livelihoods.
