There was palpable fear in Osogbo, Ile Ife, Ilesa, and other towns in Osun State on Wednesday morning, as commercial transporters suspended their operations, leaving students, residents, and travelers stranded.
The move, which resulted in the disruption of economic and social activities, was in response to the directive from the Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS) leadership.
Osun Defender reports that the OSTMS Secretary, Alhaji Mukaila Popoola, announced the strike in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, citing solidarity with the union’s Chairman, Mr. Iyanda Alowonle, who was allegedly shot in police custody by Superintendent of Police, SP Moses Lohor.
Alhaji Popoola condemned the act, describing it as an attempted assassination and demanding justice.
Meanwhile, in Ile Ife, the Great Ife Students’ Union alerted students and the public about the disruption of the Town Gboro bus services, which usually cater to transportation needs within the university town.
The union attributed the shutdown to the ongoing strike by commercial drivers across Osun State.
In a statement signed by the Union’s Public Relations Officer, Aka Daniel, said, “The leadership of the Great Ife Students’ Union wishes to inform all Great Ife students and the general public that Town Gboro buses will not be in operation tomorrow, Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
“This development is due to an internal conflict within the leadership of bus drivers in Osogbo, which has resulted in a directive for all public transport across Osun State to observe a 24-hour strike.
READ: Commercial Transporters Suspend Activities In Osun
“In light of this, the Union has made arrangements for the Union buses to assist students in reaching their various destinations during the period of the strike. Additionally, commercial motorcycles [okada] will also be available for transportation.
“According to the leadership of the “Town Gboro” drivers, bus services are expected to resume operations by Thursday, November 21, 2024.
“We regret any inconvenience this temporary disruption may cause and urge all students to plan their movements accordingly. Thank you for your understanding.”
However, the strike has left many struggling to commute between major towns like Osogbo, Ilesa, and Ile Ife. Markets, offices, and schools across the state reported low turnout due to the transportation crisis.
To gauge the extent of the disruption caused by the suspension of commercial activities, Osun Defender spoke with several affected individuals, including students, traders, and workers stranded in key areas like Osogbo, Ile Ife, and Ilesa.
Mrs. Abiodun Adeola, a trader in Osogbo, expressed frustration over the lack of transportation. She had planned to transport goods to the market but was forced to stay at home.
“This strike has completely disrupted my business for the day. I rely on commercial buses to carry my goods to the market. It is only Okada riders and private cars that are operating. Now, I’m stuck, and my customers will have to go elsewhere. This is a huge loss for me,” she lamented.
OAU Students Speak
At Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the disruption of Town Gboro buses left many students struggling to move around Ile Ife. While some managed to use the Union’s buses, others resorted to commercial motorcycles.
Tosin Ajayi, a 300-level student of Economics, said, “The Union buses are helping, but they can’t meet the demand of all the students. Many of us are left waiting for hours or paying extra for okadas. I hope the drivers resolve their issues quickly.”
Another student, Bukola Adeoti, added, “I appreciate the Union for stepping in, but this situation has exposed how much we depend on these buses. If this strike continues, we’ll face more challenges.”
Mr. Adekunle Adebayo, a civil servant in Ilesha, described the situation as chaotic.
“I was at the bus stop for over an hour, hoping to find a vehicle to Osogbo for a meeting. Eventually, I had to use an okada at triple the usual fare. The government must intervene to prevent a repeat of this situation,” he said.
Calls for Peace
Residents and commuters called for dialogue between the OSTMS leadership, the state government, and the police to resolve the crisis.
“I understand their grievances, but this method punishes ordinary citizens more than anyone else. The authorities must ensure that justice is served while protecting the livelihoods of citizens,” said Mr. Munirudeen Jamiu, a resident of Osogbo noted.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
