The killing of the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, has again drawn attention to the recurring cycle of violence that has claimed the lives of several influential transport union figures in Lagos over the years.

Ajiboye died after succumbing to gunshot injuries sustained when unidentified gunmen attacked his vehicle in the Fadeyi area of Lagos on Sunday. His burial on Tuesday attracted family members, political associates, transport workers and sympathisers.

His death adds to a growing list of high-profile killings involving leaders and members of the transport union, many of which were linked to political rivalry, leadership tussles, motor park supremacy battles and gang violence.

Below are some of the most notable cases recorded over the years

Alhaji Saula Saka (2008)

Alhaji Saka Saula (or Saula Saka)…Photo Credit: Nairaland

One of the earliest high-profile killings involving the union occurred on January 6, 2008, when the then Lagos State Chairman of the NURTW, Alhaji Saula Saka, was assassinated by gunmen at his residence in Iyana Ipaja.

According toInternational Federation for Human Rights, four armed men repeatedly shot him before fleeing the scene. Human rights organisations, including the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, called for an independent investigation into the assassination and urged the Nigerian government to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Azeez Otun (Ashake) (2014)

On September 20, 2014, Azeez Otun, popularly known as Ashake, was shot dead following violent clashes that erupted after a Peoples Democratic Party rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island.

The violence also claimed the lives of two other persons.

According to The Nation. seven suspects were arrested and arraigned, but the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions later advised that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute them and ordered their release. The DPP, however, recommended the arrest of other suspects allegedly linked to the killings.

Olayemi Eniola (Esi Oluwo) (2015)

Late Olayemi Eniola aka Esi Oluwo…Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria

In April 2015, Oshodi transport union leader Olayemi Eniola, popularly known as Esi Oluwo or Baba Esi, died after sustaining fatal injuries during a violent clash linked to political activities in Oshodi.

According to The Guardian Nigeria, supporters alleged he was attacked by rival transport union members after an All Progressives Congress campaign rally, although no court established responsibility for his death.

His killing sparked widespread tension in Oshodi and renewed concerns over violence associated with transport union politics.

Kunle Mamowora (Mammok) (2015)

Former CSO to MC Oluomo, Kunle Mamowora…Photo Credit: Nigerian Voice

Kunle Mamowora, popularly known as Mammok, who served as Chief Security Officer to former Lagos NURTW chairman Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo), was shot dead near his family house in Oshodi.

The attack was widely linked to rival political and transport union interests, although investigations did not publicly establish those responsible.

In 2019. the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Igbosere ordered the remand of two men, Ayuba Balogun and Evans Adamson, in a correctional facility for the alleged murder of the Mamora, and possession of firearms.

Mamora, who was an aide to the state Chairman of the NURTW, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, was murdered on September 30, 2015, around 7.30pm in the Oshodi area of Lagos.

The deceased had gone to visit his father on Mosaku Street in the Mafoloku area of Oshodi and decided to cut his hair at a barbershop when the hoodlums stormed the place and shot him.

Mamowora was also known for featuring in the BBC documentary Law and Disorder in Lagos.

Rasaq Bello (Hamburger) (2017)

Popular NURTW Boss, Hamburger was shot dead In Oshodi….Photo Credit: Daily Post

On May 29, 2017, Rasaq Bello, popularly called Hamburger, was killed during violence that erupted at the APC local government primary election in Oshodi.

Hamburger, who was Lagos State Treasurer of the Tricycle Operators branch of the NURTW, was reportedly caught in a gun battle involving rival groups during the exercise.

His death triggered panic across Oshodi, forcing many residents to flee over fears of reprisal attacks.

Ganiyu Ayinla (Pinero) (2018)

The late Ganiyu Ayinla aka Piero was assassinated in 2018..Photo Credit: Tori Ng

In January 2018, Ganiyu Ayinla, popularly known as Pinero, was shot dead on Lagos Island while accompanying his principal, the Idumota branch chairman of the NURTW.

Police later arrested four suspects, alleging that the attack was linked to the forthcoming transport union elections.

At the time, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, described such killings as a recurring pattern whenever NURTW elections approached.

Ismaila Azeez Ibrahim (Legacy) (2019)

Islamia Azeez popularly called Legacy was killed at an APC rally in 2019…Photo Credit: Tori Ng

Violence again erupted during the APC governorship campaign in January 2019 when Ismaila Ibrahim Azeez , popularly known as Legacy, was stabbed to death during clashes involving rival transport union members.

His death highlighted the continued intersection between transport union politics and electoral activities in Lagos.

Samuel Kayode (Ekpo Kinkin) (2021)

Samuel Kayode, widely known as Ekpo Kinkin…Photo Credit: PM News

In July 2021, Samuel Kayode, widely known as Ekpo Kinkin, the Vice-Chairman of the NURTW in Agboju, was shot dead during an APC rally in Oriade Local Council Development Area.

According to Channels TV, union officials said he was trying to protect another politician when gunmen opened fire.

Police confirmed the incident and launched investigations.

Sulaimon Lawal Onaolapo (Arikuyeri) (2022)

Sulaimon Lawal Onaolapo (Arikuyeri)…Phooto Credit; PM News

According to PM News, in August 2022, Sulaimon Onaolapo, popularly called Arikuyeri, was killed during a violent clash over control of motor parks in the Mile 12 area of Lagos.

Arikuyeri, who was in charge of the Mile 12 motor park, was reportedly attacked during a supremacy battle linked to rival groups.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the killing and said normalcy had been restored after security operatives intervened.

Toba Ajiboye (Toba Ijaya) (2026)

Late NURTW leader Toba Ijaya burial …Photo Credit: The Yoruba Times

The latest victim is Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the NURTW.

He was attacked by gunmen while leaving the Fadeyi area of Lagos after visiting childhood friends.

Although he was rushed to hospital and initially responded to treatment, he later died from his injuries.

Three other occupants of his vehicle sustained gunshot wounds and were hospitalised.

The Lagos State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the assailants, while investigations into the motive behind the attack remain ongoing.

The deaths of these transport union figures over nearly two decades reflect a persistent pattern of violence surrounding Lagos’ transport union politics.

While police investigations have followed many of the incidents, several cases remain unresolved, with convictions either absent or yet to be secured.

Ajiboye’s killing has once again renewed calls for stronger security measures and lasting reforms to curb violent rivalries within the transport sector and ensure that political and union disputes no longer end in bloodshed.

(Punch News)

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