The fatal shooting of the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, has once again exposed the deadly pattern of violence that has trailed the leadership of the transport union in Lagos for nearly two decades.
Ajiboye died after succumbing to gunshot wounds sustained when unidentified gunmen attacked his vehicle in the Fadeyi area of Lagos. His burial on Tuesday drew political associates, transport workers, family members and sympathisers.
His death adds another name to a growing list of influential NURTW leaders and officials whose lives have been cut short in violent attacks linked to leadership struggles, political contests, gang rivalry and disputes over control of motor parks.
Alhaji Saula Saka (2008)
The wave of high-profile killings dates back to January 2008 when then Lagos NURTW Chairman, Alhaji Saula Saka, was assassinated at his Iyana Ipaja residence.
Gunmen reportedly stormed his home and shot him multiple times before escaping. The killing attracted condemnation from local and international human rights organisations, which called for an independent investigation.
Azeez Otun (Ashake) (2014)
In September 2014, Azeez Otun, widely known as Ashake, was killed during violence that erupted after a Peoples Democratic Party rally at Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island.
The incident also claimed two other lives. Although several suspects were arrested, prosecutors later cited insufficient evidence, leading to their discharge while directing further investigations.
Olayemi Eniola (Esi Oluwo) (2015)
Political tension in Oshodi turned deadly in April 2015 when Olayemi Eniola, popularly called Esi Oluwo or Baba Esi, sustained fatal injuries during a violent confrontation allegedly involving rival transport union factions.
His death heightened security concerns in the commercial district and intensified fears over political violence within the transport sector.
Kunle Mamowora (Mammok) (2015)
Later that year, Kunle Mamowora, known as Mammok and a former Chief Security Officer to ex-Lagos NURTW chairman Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo), was shot dead in Oshodi while visiting his family.
He was attacked inside a barbershop by armed assailants. Years later, two suspects were arraigned over the murder, although legal proceedings continued long after the incident.
Rasaq Bello (Hamburger) (2017)
Violence again erupted during the APC local government primaries in May 2017, resulting in the death of Rasaq Bello, popularly called Hamburger.
The Lagos NURTW tricycle branch treasurer reportedly died during a gun battle involving rival groups, with the incident triggering panic across Oshodi.
Ganiyu Ayinla (Pinero) (2018)
In January 2018, Ganiyu Ayinla, widely known as Pinero, was assassinated on Lagos Island while accompanying the Idumota branch chairman of the union.
Police later arrested suspects, describing the attack as being connected to the approaching NURTW elections, which had historically witnessed violent rivalries.
Ismaila Azeez Ibrahim (Legacy) (2019)
The 2019 governorship campaign in Lagos was also marred by violence following the killing of Ismaila Azeez Ibrahim, popularly known as Legacy.
He was stabbed to death during clashes involving rival transport union supporters at an APC campaign event, underscoring the recurring overlap between politics and transport union conflicts.
Samuel Kayode (Ekpo Kinkin) (2021)
Another prominent union official, Samuel Kayode, known as Ekpo Kinkin, was shot dead during an APC rally in Oriade Local Council Development Area in July 2021.
Union leaders said he was attempting to shield a political figure when gunmen opened fire. Police subsequently launched an investigation into the attack.
Sulaimon Lawal Onaolapo (Arikuyeri) (2022)
Supremacy battles over motor park control claimed another life in August 2022 when Sulaimon Lawal Onaolapo, popularly called Arikuyeri, was killed during a violent confrontation in Mile 12.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the killing and deployed security personnel to restore order after the clash.
Toba Ajiboye (Toba Ijaya) (2026)
The latest casualty is Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, who served as Organising Secretary of the Lagos State NURTW.
He was attacked by gunmen shortly after leaving the Fadeyi area, where he had visited friends. Although rushed to hospital and initially stabilised, he later died from his injuries. Three other occupants of his vehicle sustained gunshot wounds and received medical treatment.
Police have launched a manhunt for those responsible, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack continue.
Ajiboye’s death has renewed calls for stronger security measures and comprehensive reforms to address the entrenched violence associated with transport union politics in Lagos, as many of the killings recorded over the past 18 years remain unresolved or have ended without successful prosecution.
