Great Josade School, a private institution located in Ereko, Fadeyi, Lagos, suspended academic activities on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, as a mark of respect for the late Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The school, situated in the same neighbourhood where Toba Ijaya resided, announced the closure through a banner displayed at its entrance.
Banner Announcement and Community Reaction
The banner bore Toba Ijaya's photograph alongside an obituary notice addressed to parents and students. It read: "Please No School Tomorrow in order to Honour Our Amiable Brother and Father COMRADE JOEL AJIBOYE TOBA FROM: GREAT JOSADE SCHOOLS EREKO FADEYI LAGOS." A video of the banner circulated widely on social media shortly after it was spotted, drawing attention to the school's gesture.
Details of the Attack
Toba Ijaya was reportedly shot on a Sunday evening in the Fadeyi area of Lagos after visiting childhood friends. As he was departing, unidentified gunmen fired at his vehicle. He was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Three other passengers in the vehicle also sustained gunshot wounds and remained hospitalised at the time of reporting. Images of his bullet-riddled car spread across social media, prompting widespread reactions. The Lagos State Police Command launched a manhunt for the assailants, with Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi confirming that investigations had commenced.
Burial and Tributes
Toba Ijaya was buried on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Ketu, Lagos. Family members, colleagues, and supporters gathered to pay their final respects, with emotional scenes captured in videos shared online. Lagos State NURTW Chairman Mustapha Adekunle, known as Sego, expressed his grief in a Facebook tribute, describing the loss as deeply personal. He said: "The news of the sudden passing of Toba Ijaya has left me deeply saddened and heartbroken. It is difficult to accept the reality of the loss. Toba was more than an ally; he was a trusted friend, a man of steadfast loyalty and unwavering commitment, and a true pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation. His friendship, unwavering support, and selfless dedication to the union over the years will forever remain etched in my heart."
Daughter's Emotional Tribute
At the funeral, Toba Ijaya's daughter delivered a heartfelt tribute, struggling to hold back tears as she described her father's patience and the cherished memories they shared. Her speech left mourners visibly moved and quickly went viral online, sparking widespread sympathy and conversations about the respect shown to Ijaya and his family.
Ongoing Investigation
The motive behind the attack on Toba Ijaya has not yet been established as police investigations continue. The Lagos State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.
