Senior officials of Oyo State are now facing serious legal pressure after the High Court in Ibadan issued a formal contempt notice.
The warning comes amid ongoing disputes with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), signaling that state officials could face imprisonment if they fail to follow existing court rulings in the long-standing union conflict.
Court documents obtained from the Ibadan Judicial Division indicate that the notice was issued under Suit No: M/246/2020.
The legal action was filed by key NURTW figures — Alhaji Abideen Abimbola Olajide, Alhaji Lekan Aleshinloye, Alhaji Isiaka Ajetunmobi, Alhaji Kasali Lawal — alongside the union itself as applicants.
The respondents named in the suit include the Governor of Oyo State, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Commissioner for Public Infrastructure, Works and Transportation.
The contempt notice, served on February 11, 2026, was formally delivered to the Attorney-General and the Commissioner for Public Infrastructure at the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.
Marked Form 48, it is legally recognized as a “Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Order of Court,” and warns recipients that continued defiance of court orders constitutes contempt, which could result in committal to prison.
This step is considered a procedural precursor to full contempt proceedings.
This development emerges from a dispute that has spanned several years.
On May 31, 2019, the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde suspended NURTW activities statewide, citing breaches of peace and authorizing government takeover of motor parks.
The suspension immediately escalated tensions between the state government and the union, raising questions about the legality of the executive action.
In response, the NURTW approached the National Industrial Court in July 2021, challenging the suspension.
The court initially dismissed the suit in March 2022, effectively validating the state’s action at that point.
Unsatisfied with the decision, the union, represented by prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), escalated the matter to the Court of Appeal.
The appellate court subsequently ruled in favor of the NURTW, declaring the suspension unlawful.
The judgment emphasized that the state government had failed to present credible evidence of violence to justify the ban.
Allegations made against the union were found insufficient, as the court noted the absence of concrete actions that could reasonably be classified as violent.
Importantly, the court highlighted that any government action addressing security concerns must remain within legal boundaries.
It condemned the state’s resort to unilateral suspension, describing it as an abuse of authority outside established legal procedures.
The issuance of the contempt notice marks the next phase in this ongoing conflict.
Legal experts observe that the notice serves as a clear warning to officials that failure to comply with judicial rulings can trigger severe consequences.
NURTW sources describe the notice as a significant victory in the union’s quest for lawful recognition and protection of its members’ rights.
Beyond the courtroom, the NURTW dispute has had practical implications for public transportation in Oyo State.
Following the 2019 suspension, many motor parks fell under direct government control, while union operations were effectively halted.
The union argued that the suspension disrupted daily transport services, affecting commuters and drivers alike.
The appellate ruling reinforced the union’s legal standing, compelling the state to reconsider its administrative approach to motor park regulation.
Observers note that the NURTW conflict underscores broader tensions between trade unions and state authorities in Nigeria.
Legal commentators argue that the case serves as a precedent, reinforcing that governments cannot take executive action against registered trade unions without clear legal authority.
The High Court’s contempt notice further demonstrates the judiciary’s role in enforcing compliance and upholding the rule of law.
As the situation develops, attention is now focused on whether the implicated officials will adhere to the appellate court’s directives or risk being subjected to contempt proceedings.
Analysts suggest that the coming weeks could determine the trajectory of the union-state relations in Oyo, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting the rights of legally recognized organizations like NURTW.
With the issuance of Form 48, the NURTW has effectively strengthened its position while placing state officials on notice that disregard for the law carries tangible consequences.
Legal observers continue to monitor the case closely, noting its potential to influence how trade unions interact with government authorities in the future.
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