Tension heightened across Osogbo on Monday as alleged factions loyal to the All Progressives Congress, APC, reportedly overran the leadership of major motor parks in the state capital, days to the Osun State Governorship Election.
Witnesses said that early on Monday afternoon, Fakunle Garage and Ibadan Garage were violently taken over. Accusing fingers pointed to Alhaji Kaseem Oyewale, also known as Asiri Eliba, a former Branch Chairman of the NURTW Old Garage Motor Park in Osogbo.
Aregbe Garage and Olaiya Garage remained functional while Old Garage was described as ghostly and devoid of usual activity. Heavy security presence was observed at strategic motor parks across the city.
Many residents suggested the move was connected to claims that most of the park leadership favored the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party. There were also theories that the takeovers were strategic to a master rigging plan, with allegations that election materials would be transported by commercial vehicles during the election.
The Osun State Police Command said it had restored normalcy following a protest by a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, which degenerated into clashes in parts of Osogbo.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, 2026, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Command said the protest was triggered after members of a faction alleged that their vehicles were prevented from entering motor parks by a rival dominant faction.
“The disagreement reportedly escalated into clashes between the two factions, leading to disruption of public peace and commercial activities in parts of the state capital,” the statement said.
The Command disclosed that officers responded swiftly to a distress call and used minimal force to disperse the protesters. Officers have also been deployed to motor parks across the state to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, called on leaders and members of the warring factions to cease all hostilities and embrace dialogue.
He urged stakeholders to “exercise restraint and avoid actions or utterances capable of escalating tensions, pending the determination of park management by relevant authorities.”
Gotan assured that the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, warning that “anyone found culpable of violence or other criminal acts will face the full wrath of the law.”
He further advised members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful duties without fear, and support security agencies with credible information, while refraining from spreading unverified reports capable of causing panic.
Reports also said that police officers with the factional Asiri arrested members of Amotekun who were guarding some of the parks.
