NURTW: Ajiboye’s Killing Sparks Fresh Fears of Gang War Among Lagos Commercial Bus Drivers

By Akinwale Kasali

The killing of Toba Ajiboye, Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), by suspected gunmen has reignited fears of a gang war within the leadership of the commercial bus drivers’ union.
Ajiboye, popularly known as Ijaya, was shot by the assailants while returning home from his childhood neighbourhood in the Fadeyi area of Lagos on Sunday night.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers opened fire on his vehicle along Ikorodu Road, riddling it with bullets.

“They fired repeatedly at the windshield of his SUV after spotting him inside the vehicle, believing they had killed him,” a source said.
Ajiboye reportedly survived the attack initially but died the following day from injuries he sustained.

“After the attack, Ajiboye posted a video on social media celebrating his survival, not knowing it was only a matter of time before he died. Some people even claimed he had been attacked spiritually, in addition to being shot,” another source told the magazine.

The source described NURTW politics as “do or die,” adding: “If Ajiboye could be killed like that—someone believed to be spiritually fortified—I don’t think any of the current officials or whoever was responsible for his killing is safe because there could be a reprisal attack.”

Ajiboye was regarded as one of the most feared figures among commercial transport operators in Lagos, particularly because of his closeness to Mustapha Sego. He was also considered one of the leading figures in the “SegoNation” camp.
His killing has heightened concerns among Lagos residents, many of whom said they had enjoyed relative peace since the transition of the union’s leadership from Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, to Mustapha Sego. Oluomo later became the national president of the union.

Ajiboye was a close ally of Sego, who has reportedly been locked in a prolonged power struggle with Oluomo over the control of the Lagos chapter of the NURTW.

The Lagos chapter is widely regarded as the most lucrative in the country because of the state’s status as Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Sources within the union alleged that Oluomo still seeks to retain influence over the Lagos chapter despite stepping down as state chairman to become national president. They said Sego and other state officials have resisted those efforts.

“There have been subtle threats exchanged between supporters of Oluomo and Sego in recent months, with tensions rising over the possibility of a violent confrontation,” another source said.

“The first shot appears to have been fired with the killing of Ajiboye. He was very close to Sego.”

The source, however, cautioned that “it is not yet clear who was responsible for Ajiboye’s death. That is for the police to determine.”

Sources also claimed that several religious and political leaders had unsuccessfully attempted to reconcile Oluomo and Sego.

“Muslim leaders, believing the two men would listen to them because they share the same faith, brought them together in an attempt to broker peace, but the effort yielded no result,” the source said.

Reacting to the killing, Sego described the incident as a rude shock, saying Ajiboye was a loyal ally and trusted friend.

In a tribute posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Sego said he was devastated by the loss, noting that Ajiboye’s commitment and dedication to the union would be greatly missed.
“The news of the sudden passing of Comrade Toba Ajiboye has left me deeply saddened and heartbroken. It is difficult to come to terms with the loss of such a loyal, dependable and committed ally.”

Sego described the late union leader as “more than an ally,” saying he was a pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation.
“Comrade Toba Ajiboye, the Organising Secretary of the NURTW Lagos State Council, was more than an ally. He was a trusted friend, a man of steadfast loyalty and unwavering commitment, and a true pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation. His friendship, unwavering support and selfless dedication to the union over the years will forever remain etched in my heart.”

He also extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and members of the union.

“My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends and the entire NURTW family. May Almighty God forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and give us all the strength and fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.”

Paying his final respects, Sego added:
“Farewell, my dear friend. Your loyalty, friendship and unwavering support will forever remain in my heart. You will be deeply missed, and I will never forget the bond we shared.”

However, sources said the camp that lost Ajiboye was unlikely to let the matter rest.

“There is likely to be a reprisal against those believed to be behind the killing, and an all-out conflict within the union cannot be ruled out unless the state government moves quickly to calm the situation,” another source said.

Editorial note: Several claims in the story—including allegations of planned reprisals, the use of “juju,” and suggestions about who may be responsible—are attributed to unnamed sources and have not been independently verified. To maintain journalistic fairness and reduce legal risk, it would be advisable to include the police’s position on the investigation and, where relevant, seek responses from representatives of both MC Oluomo and Mustapha Sego.