The Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has officially appointed Shola, popularly known as Sholabout, as the new chairman of Surulere Branch B and leader of EREKO Mushin, filling the position left vacant by the late Comrade Toba Ajiboye Ijaya.
The decision was ratified during a meeting held on Monday, August 3, 2026, led by Lagos NURTW chairman, Mustapha Sego. A video from the meeting has since circulated online, drawing reactions from the public and transport stakeholders.
Appointment Follows Tragic Death
Sholabout's appointment comes weeks after Toba Ijaya, who served as the union's Organising Secretary, was killed by gunmen along Ikorodu Road. He was returning home from Fadeyi, his childhood neighbourhood, when attackers intercepted his vehicle and opened fire, leaving parts of the car riddled with bullet holes.
Ijaya later succumbed to his injuries and was buried amid emotional tributes from family, friends, and associates. His death shocked many and raised questions about the future leadership structure within the organisation.
Police Investigation Ongoing
While the union has moved to fill the vacant position, the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that a manhunt is underway to identify and arrest the gunmen responsible for Ijaya's killing. Authorities have not yet made any arrests.
In the viral video, Sego Mustapha is seen announcing the appointment, which has sparked mixed reactions among social media users.
Reactions Trail Appointment
Legit.ng compiled comments from social media users below:
- @Seun92210516 stated: "That is Toba second in command for Fadeyi. Sego is listening and he is playing real politics for second term"
- @iamscoded noted: "Congratulations. Hope he go be giver and not the other way round"
The appointment is seen as a strategic move to maintain stability within the union, which has faced turbulence following Ijaya's death.
Context: MC Oluomo's Re-election
In related news, NURTW members re-elected Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, for a second term as Lagos State chairman. The acting chairman and 30 other executive members were elected unopposed during the election.
As the police continue their investigation, the union's decision to quickly fill the vacancy underscores its resolve to maintain order and continuity in its operations across Lagos State.
