Leadership Tussle: Ogun State Sued Over Alleged Interference in AMORAN Election
A legal dispute has emerged in Ogun State concerning the leadership of the Articulate Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN). The lawsuit, filed by a faction within the union, names the Ogun State Government, the Commissioner for Transportation, and other key stakeholders as defendants. The plaintiffs are challenging the legitimacy of the current AMORAN leadership, alleging procedural irregularities and governmental interference in the selection process.
The contention centers around the recent inauguration of Otunba Taofeek Sokoya as the new state chairman of AMORAN. On August 8, 2024, Sokoya was officially inaugurated at the union’s state secretariat in Abeokuta, following the resignation of the former chairman, Otunba Nurudeen Aina Alowonle. The executive members unanimously elected Sokoya to lead the organization, a decision that was marked by a ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Gbenga Dairo.
Despite the apparent consensus, the plaintiffs argue that the process leading to Sokoya’s emergence did not adhere to the union’s established guidelines. They claim that the Ogun State Government exerted undue influence over the selection, compromising the union’s autonomy. The lawsuit seeks a judicial review of the process, aiming to nullify Sokoya’s appointment and mandate a new, transparent election in line with AMORAN’s constitution.
In response to the allegations, representatives of the Ogun State Government have maintained that their involvement was limited to ensuring a peaceful transition within the union. They assert that the government’s role was to facilitate harmony among members and that the selection of the new chairman was conducted in accordance with AMORAN’s internal procedures.
The internal dynamics of AMORAN have seen significant activity in recent times. Prior to his resignation, former chairman Otunba Nurudeen Aina Alowonle announced his intention to contest for the position of Executive Chairman of Sagamu Local Government in the upcoming Ogun State local government elections. This decision prompted the emergency meeting on August 6, 2024, where the state executives addressed his resignation and subsequently elected Sokoya as the new chairman.
Under Sokoya’s leadership, AMORAN has initiated several programs aimed at enhancing the welfare of its members. Notably, the union established a partnership with a commercial bank to offer low-interest loans to members, facilitating financial empowerment and business growth. Additionally, Sokoya has been instrumental in engaging former chairmen of the union, fostering a sense of inclusion and continuity within the organization’s leadership structure.
The lawsuit has garnered attention from various stakeholders within the transportation sector and the general public. Legal analysts suggest that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for the autonomy of trade unions and the extent of governmental involvement in their internal affairs. As the legal proceedings unfold, members of AMORAN and other interested parties are keenly observing the developments, hopeful for a resolution that upholds the principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for established protocols.
In the interim, the Ogun State Government has called for calm among AMORAN members, urging them to allow the legal process to take its course. The government emphasizes its commitment to supporting the rights of associations to self-governance while ensuring that such processes do not disrupt public order or the welfare of the state’s residents.
This legal confrontation underscores the delicate balance between governmental oversight and the independence of trade unions. The resolution of this dispute will likely have lasting implications for the governance structures of similar associations across Nigeria.