The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has nullified the 2019 suspension of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, describing the action of Governor Seyi Makinde as unconstitutional and unlawful.
Delivering its judgment, the appellate court held that the state government lacked the legal authority to unilaterally proscribe or suspend the activities of a registered trade union recognized under national law.
The court emphasized that such powers rest solely with the appropriate federal institutions, not a state governor.
Recall that in 2019, shortly after assuming office, Governor Makinde ordered the suspension of the NURTW in the state, citing concerns over violence and insecurity within the transport sector. The move led to the establishment of the Park Management System (PMS), which has since overseen motor park operations in Oyo.
With the latest judgment, the NURTW may now regain control of its activities and assets across the state, pending further legal or administrative actions.