An acquaintance of late transport union leader Toba Ajiboye has paid an emotional tribute to the man he described as his mentor, recalling his warmth, generosity, and open-door approach to anyone who sought his help. The video, shared on Facebook by Maxwell Onwordi-MaxfocusMedia, has sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians who knew or admired the slain National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leader.
How Toba Ijaya Treated Everyone Who Visited
In the tribute video, the unidentified man spoke at length about what set Toba Ijaya apart, describing him as someone who never turned anyone away regardless of their problem. "If 20 persons are waiting for Toba, rest assured he will attend to every one of you," he said, adding that each visitor would leave feeling heard and relieved simply from speaking with him. He credited Ajiboye's ever-present smile as the quality that made people feel free to open up, saying that warmth alone created a space where anyone could express themselves without fear or hesitation.
Charitable Work and Legacy
The tribute also touched on Toba Ijaya's charitable work, with the speaker noting that the late leader quietly paid school fees for an uncountable number of children and ran a foundation that served people across different age groups, from the elderly to infants. "I can't even count how many children Toba is taking care of their school fees," he said, stressing that the claim was not praise for its own sake but a reflection of something that had been ongoing for years.
Describing the loss as irreparable, the man called on those who shared Toba Ijaya's vision to carry forward the humanitarian work he had championed, expressing hope that someone within his circle would rise to continue what he started. "He is my confidence. He is my mentor. He's a very good person to me and my families," he said. "His gentle soul continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord."
Nigerians React to the Tribute
The video drew responses from those who also knew or admired the late NURTW leader. @Oluwasegun Godwin Odukoya said: "Nice one babalawo? May Ijaya soul rest in peace." @Oluwabunmi Fatimoh said: "Adele mio niwati, good talk." @Iyke Kalu said: "If only he made it to there!"
Background on Toba Ijaya's Death
Toba Ajiboye, widely known as Toba Ijaya, served as the organising secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the NURTW and was a close ally of the state chairman, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly called Sego. He was fatally shot after gunmen ambushed his vehicle in the Fadeyi area of Lagos on Sunday, July 12, 2026. He later succumbed to his injuries and was subsequently laid to rest at his home in Ketu, Lagos, where large numbers of friends, union members, and mourners gathered to bid him farewell.
NURTW Leaders Assassinated in Lagos
Ajiboye's death joins a grim catalogue of killings that have targeted influential NURTW members across Lagos. The persistent cycle of violence linked to transport union politics in Nigeria's commercial capital has drawn widespread attention and concern. His killing is one of several high-profile assassinations of NURTW leaders in recent years, highlighting the ongoing security challenges within the union.
