The Paramount ruler of Iba Kingdom in Lagos State, Oba Sulaimon Raji Adesina, the Oniba of Iba, who is also a frontline unionist has emerged winner in the state chairmanship election of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
Oba Adeshina triumphed in the transport union election which held in Abuja on Thursday and was visibly excited while receiving his certificate from the National President, Alhaji Musa Maitakobi.
Oniba had prior to the election served as the state chairman in caretaker capacity for two weeks to usher in a properly constituted executive council, as mandated by the National council of RTEAN.
The election had followed weeks of speculations and politicking in RTEAN over who emerges as the leader to better pilot the affairs of the union in Lagos.
Speaking shortly after in his acceptance speech, Oba Raji expressed gratitude to all especially the government, national leadership of RTEAN and Union members, adding that he will work hard and collaborate with his executive Council to advance the mandate of the union.
He also pledged to prioritise the welfare of members as well as sustain his legacy of violence free parks and garages in Lagos State and enhanced transportation system.
Oba Oniba is a renowned charismatic mobiliser and leader in the union, as well as a philanthropist and community leader who has used his position as a top monarch to help his community with various empowerment initiatives and donations especially with the current harsh economic situation of the country.
Recall that activities of the RTEAN was banned in Lagos State for 15 months following a serious leadership crisis.
The state government subsequently appointed a 35-man caretaker committee to take over the activities of the union under the umbrella of The Lagos State Parks and Garages Administrators (LASPAGA) Caretaker Committee headed by Oba Oniba.
During the period, the state witnessed smooth operations and no record of violence at the parks and garages before LASPAGA was reintegrated back into RTEAN last month after the ban was lifted by the Lagos state government.
Stakeholders and union members are hopeful that Oniba will be able to replicate his leadership at LASPAGA and chart a good course for the union and ensure a smooth and zero violence transportation system in the state.
