Oniba Wins, Emerges as Substantive Lagos RTEAN Chairman
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 presented with the certificate by the National President, 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.
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.
There were rumours about whether a monarch should abandon his profession or not after being enthroned with arguments on both sides.
It was gathered that Oba Oniba has been a charismatic mobiliser and leader in the union, as well as a philanthropist and community leader who has helped 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 no 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.
As such, stakeholders are hopeful that Oniba will be able to chart a good course for the union and ensure smooth transportation system in the state.
