NUPENG PTD Ejigbo Crisis: Chairman Najeem Babatunde Denies Faction, Accuses Ganiyu Oyebola of Using Thugs to Disrupt Union Activities
The leadership crisis rocking the Ejigbo unit of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the (NUPENG) escalated on Wednesday as the unit’s Chairman, Najeem Babatunde, publicly dissociated the union from a faction allegedly led by Comrade Ganiyu Oyebola, accusing the group of orchestrating violence and unlawful protests to destabilize the depot.
The Chairman of NUPENG PTD Ejigbo depot, Mr. Najeem Babatunde, has called on Nigerians, security agencies, and the judiciary to assist the union in addressing what he described as the activities of “fake personalities” parading themselves as members of the union.
Speaking at a press briefing convened on Wednesday in Ejigbo, Babatunde described recent incidents of violence, including alleged assaults on members and destruction of property, as a “sad development” aimed at disrupting the union’s ongoing peaceful electoral process.
He maintained that his leadership remains the authentic and legally recognized authority of the PTD Ejigbo Unit, stressing that the union operates under the Lagos Zonal Council of NUPENG, led by Comrade Omogbolahan Adigun.
Allegations of Violence and Intimidation
Babatunde alleged that since their election in 2022 at Shangisha, Magodo, his executive members have faced persistent intimidation and attacks by individuals he described as thugs and members of the (OPC).
According to him, attempts to resume at the union office after their election were thwarted by armed individuals wielding cutlasses, bottles, and stones, forcing them to flee for safety.
“We don’t want a situation where thugs and OPC use our office as identification. We are the real and authentic Petroleum Tanker Drivers in Ejigbo,” Babatunde said.
He further alleged that members of the opposing faction attacked union members again on February 16, leading to injuries and arrests. Some suspects, he claimed, are currently in custody at Kirikiri Correctional Centre following police intervention.
Dispute Over Membership and Election Legitimacy
The chairman dismissed claims of factionalization within the union, stating that elections are conducted every four years in line with the union’s constitution.
“There’s no faction among us. If you like me, you follow me; if you don’t, you follow another candidate. That’s democracy,” he said.
Babatunde accused Comrade Ganiyu Oyebola of boycotting the last election due to lack of registered members, alleging that the opposing group does not possess the union’s biometric identity cards issued to bonafide members.
He further claimed that Oyebola had not renewed his membership or fulfilled registration requirements for over 15 years, thereby questioning his legitimacy within the union.
Economic Impact on Ejigbo Depot
The crisis, Babatunde said, has significantly disrupted operations at the Ejigbo depot, with fuel loading activities reportedly stalled.
“Loading is not happening in Ejigbo anymore. This problem is affecting our business. We are appealing to the Federal Government to restore fuel supply to all NNPC units so that we can resume work,” he added.
The union leadership commended the Nigeria Police for recent interventions and urged authorities to ensure a lasting resolution to prevent further violence.
Secretary, Injured Members Speak
Also speaking, the Secretary of the PTD Ejigbo Unit, Akeem Kelani, accused Oyebola of attempting to impose himself on the union through force.
He stated that the union conducts annual membership renewals and four-year electoral cycles as stipulated in its constitution, alleging that Oyebola has not participated in union activities for over 16 years.
Kelani further claimed that the opposing faction had engaged in conflicts with other industry stakeholders, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and other industry bodies.
Two injured members, Adeniran Taiwo and Adeniyi Lukman, recounted separate incidents in which they sustained injuries during alleged attacks at the depot earlier in February. They alleged that the attackers claimed to have been sent to target specific individuals.
Call for Government Intervention
The NUPENG PTD Ejigbo leadership has called on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and the courts to intervene decisively to restore stability and safeguard lawful union activities.
As of press time, efforts to reach Comrade Ganiyu Oyebola or representatives of the opposing faction for comment were unsuccessful.
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