By Fisayo Akinduro
The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State, Mr Ademola Odudu, has said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s calm and inclusive leadership ended the long-standing rivalry and unrest that once divided transport workers across the state.
Odudu, who spoke in Akure, described the governor’s intervention as the turning point that restored unity to the union after years of internal crisis and violent clashes between rival factions.
He said, “The peace we now enjoy in Ondo motor parks didn’t happen overnight. It came through the governor’s fairness and our collective decision to forgive, reconcile and move forward as one family.”
According to him, one of his first tasks after assuming office was to bring together former leaders and members who had been at loggerheads, noting that the reconciliation meeting marked a new beginning for the union.
Odudu explained that his administration also scrapped the controversial “priority loading” system, which gave undue advantage to a few drivers, and replaced it with a transparent system that ensures fairness and equal opportunity for all members.
“Everyone now operates under the same rule. No favouritism. That singular reform brought calm to all motor parks,” he said.
He added that the union now holds regular meetings with local executives to address grievances early and sustain the peace currently enjoyed across the state.
The NURTW boss also revealed that under his leadership, Ondo now ranks among the best-paying branches of the union in the South-West.
“The least-paid officer earns ₦70,000 monthly, with allowances. That has motivated our workers and improved productivity,” he said.
Odudu hailed Governor Aiyedatiwa for completing abandoned road projects, rehabilitating schools and health centres, and promoting welfare programmes that directly benefit transport workers and residents alike.
“People call him slow, but I see a focused leader who prefers doing things right. His style has brought visible development across local governments,” he said.
While urging commercial drivers to remain disciplined and law-abiding, Odudu said the union will continue to work with the state government to sustain the current peace.
“We’ll keep supporting government policies and maintain order in all parks. Peace is the key to progress, and we’ll do everything to preserve it,” he assured.