The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Association, a branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Lagos State, is planning a massive protest over the alleged illegal removal of its elected chairman, Comrade Olabisi Akinlolu. The protest, set to take place soon, is in response to Akinlolu’s removal just six months into his tenure, sparking a leadership crisis within the union.
PTD officials, speaking to journalists on Tuesday, accused Akinlolu’s deputy, Comrade Saheed Adigun, of orchestrating the removal, claiming it was unconstitutional. The officials described the situation as a power grab, with Adigun allegedly appointing himself as the new chairman, a move they argue violates the association’s governing rules.
A PTD member, speaking anonymously, said, “Our former Lagos State Branch Chairman, Comrade Olabisi Akinlolu, was forcefully removed by his deputy, Saheed Adigun, who plotted his ousting and installed himself as chairman.” The source also mentioned that Akinlolu had been re-elected as the Lagos Zonal Chairman during a PTD Delegate Conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, in May 2022. He was expected to serve a four-year term due to his competence and transparency in leadership.
The members further alleged that Chief Otunba Salmon Akanni Oladiti, a member of the PTD Trustees and former National Chairman, played a significant role in Akinlolu’s removal. Oladiti is accused of using financial influence to support Adigun’s ascension to the chairmanship, while also withholding important bank accounts belonging to the association.
Since Adigun took over, PTD members have expressed dissatisfaction, citing corruption, financial mismanagement, and deteriorating leadership as key issues. They claim that funds belonging to the association have been diverted to private accounts, further exacerbating the crisis.
“We are demanding that Comrade Olabisi Akinlolu be reinstated as our chairman to complete his term. Members of the Lagos Council are tired of the poor leadership under Comrade Saheed Adigun,” the anonymous member lamented.
The PTD’s call for Akinlolu’s return comes as tensions rise within the association, with members vowing to take decisive action if their demands are not met.
Further developments are expected as the union’s internal conflicts continue to unfold.