“However, should the State gives any positive thought to restoring or re-appointing Mr. Jacob Adebo as our client’s chairman, Mr. Governor is called upon to reconsider such plan.”
The peace witnessed in Ondo state and within the National Union Road Transport Workers ,NURTW, in the state might be under serious threat as members of the Union have rejected any attempt by the government to impose the embattled former chairman of the union, Mr Jacob Adebo also known as Idajo.
The Union in a letter addressed to governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and obtained by ROVING REPORTERS however demanded an election where a popular candidate will emerge to run the affairs of the Union.
The letter dated 4th of January, 2022 was signed by the Union’s counsel, Akinyemi Omoware and titled ‘Request For Peaceful Conduct Of The National Union Of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Election In Ondo State.’
The letter reads in part: “Your Excellency will recall the crisis that led to the disbandment of the Union sometimes in March, 2021 upon the completion of the tenure of Mr. Jacob Adebo (aka Idajo).
“It is needless to restate that as a result of various crises orchestrated during his tenure which led to the murder of Ademola Ademuwagun (aka Shina), Mr. Jacob Adebo was removed.
“His removal brought peace and tranquillity to the Union generally known for violence. The State and its residents equally celebrated the uncommon peace occasioned by the removal of the erstwhile State Chairman of the Union.
“Ever since, there has been no known crisis within the Union or any occasion by the Union members in the State.
“It is however important to place on record that our client’s members and the residents of the State are aware of the government plan to restore or re-appoint Mr. Jacob Adebo (aka Idajo) as the Ondo State Chairman of the Union (NURTW).
“This, we have every reason to doubt its authenticity considering the crisis associated with his leadership as it were.
“However, should the State gives any positive thought to restoring or re-appointing Mr. Jacob Adebo as our client’s chairman, Mr. Governor is called upon to reconsider such plan.
“First, the persons who were arrested in connection with the murder of Mr. Ademola Ademuwagun during the tenure of Mr. Adebo are still being prosecuted by the Ondo State Court.
“Secondly, other associates arrested in connection with illegal possession of firearms during the crisis are equally being prosecuted at the Federal High Court, Akure. For these and other reasons, peace has endured within the Union in Ondo State.
“It will therefore amount to deliberately stirring up strife among the Union members to attempt to impose Mr. Jacob Adebo on the Union as against the will and wishes of the majority of the Union members: the consequence of which may lead to breakdown of peace presently enjoyed in the State.
“The teaming members of the Union were converging forprotest all over the State when our attention was drawn to same.
“In a bit to render our community service as peace loving members of the State, we have been able to persuade the Union members and request they shield their sword and allow us to bring their plight to Mr. Governor.
“We have no doubt that your Excellency who have been known for peace and adherence to the rule of law will listen to their plight and allow for peaceful conduct of election to elect their state executive members.
“It is upon the above that we humbly appeal to the conscience of Mr. Governor to allow for a peaceful election within the Union.
“This will not only allow for popular candidates to emerge, it will lay good foundation for future elections. We have no doubt that our request will be given compassionate consideration