The killing of Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Ijaya, has once again drawn attention to the long history of deadly attacks that have claimed the lives of prominent leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State.
Ajiboye, a senior figure in the transport union, was murdered in an attack that sparked widespread public concern and renewed scrutiny of the recurring violence associated with transport union politics in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
His assassination adds to the growing list of influential NURTW officials who have lost their lives in similar circumstances across Lagos.
Below are some of the well-known transport union leaders who were assassinated:
1. Alhaji Saula Saka
Among the earliest high-profile incidents was the assassination of Alhaji Saula Saka, a respected senior member of the NURTW. His death was documented by international human rights organisations.
The circumstances surrounding Saka’s killing exposed the security risks faced by transport union leaders and prompted civil society organisations monitoring politically motivated violence in Nigeria to demand accountability.
2. Ganiyu Ayinla, Known as Pinero
Ganiyu Ayinla, widely known by the nickname Pinero, was another NURTW official whose assassination sent shockwaves across Lagos. Following the incident, four suspects were arrested in connection with the murder.
However, the case also reflected the recurring pattern in which violent crimes involving transport union members often fail to reach a conclusive judicial outcome.
3. Azeez Otun, Known as Ashake
Azeez Otun, popularly called Ashake, served as a NURTW chief before he was assassinated. His death resulted in the remand of several suspects and a lengthy legal process.
Although multiple individuals were initially arrested, the Director of Public Prosecutions later cleared seven of the alleged killers, a decision that raised widespread concerns about the pursuit of justice for victims of transport union-related violence in Lagos State.
4. Toba Ajiboye, Known as Ijaya
The assassination of Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Ijaya, is the latest addition to the list of high-profile killings involving NURTW leaders.
His death was officially confirmed and described as a significant setback for the union’s leadership in Lagos, with information about the attack becoming public shortly after the incident occurred.
