The assassination of Toba Ajiboye, the Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has revived memories of the violent underworld of Lagos transport union politics, with fresh allegations of betrayal emerging as investigators intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.
Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, was buried on Tuesday at his residence in Fadeyi amid emotional scenes as family members, political associates, transport workers and hundreds of supporters gathered to pay their last respects to one of the state’s most influential transport union figures.
Alleged betrayal before assassination
Sources close to the late union leader alleged that his killing on Sunday, July 12, was facilitated by trusted associates who monitored his movements and relayed his location to the gunmen.
According to the sources, a bricklayer identified simply as Oke, who had previously worked for Ajiboye on construction projects, allegedly tracked his movements on the day of the attack.
The source claimed the suspect took photographs of Ajiboye’s vehicle and sent them to armed men waiting along the Ikorodu Road corridor. He was also said to have sent voice notes informing the attackers that Ajiboye was travelling with only his driver.
Ironically, Ajiboye reportedly handed the bricklayer ₦5,000 shortly before leaving, unaware that his movements were allegedly being monitored.
The source further claimed that detectives later arrested Oke and his wife during the course of the investigation, while another suspect identified as Ogere reportedly fled after the attack.
Another individual known simply as Suko, who was alleged to have financed parts of the operation, was also said to have escaped from Nigeria.
Investigators are also examining a voice recording said to have captured one of the suspects informing others that Ajiboye was leaving the premises where he had paid a visit shortly before he was ambushed.
How the attack unfolded
According to accounts from people familiar with the incident, Ajiboye had left his residence on Ereko Street, Fadeyi, accompanied only by his driver.
During the journey, the driver reportedly noticed another vehicle attempting to overtake them and mentioned it to his boss. Ajiboye allegedly instructed him to allow the vehicle to pass.
Moments later, the suspected assassins reportedly swerved across the road, blocked Ajiboye’s vehicle and opened fire, directing multiple shots at the side where he was seated.
The union leader sustained severe gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital. He later died from his injuries on Tuesday, July 14.
Community in mourning
When journalists visited Fadeyi after the incident, security had been heightened across the community, with armed police officers stationed at strategic locations.
Residents described Ajiboye as both a powerful union leader and a generous benefactor whose influence extended beyond transport politics.
Commercial tricycle operator Yusuf Akinwale said Ajiboye had purchased the tricycle he currently operates and had assisted him on several occasions.
Trader Bolaji Odekunle described him as someone who regularly paid school fees, settled rents and supported struggling families.
Another resident, Babatunde Adebayo, credited him with helping to restore peace in Fadeyi by providing employment opportunities for many young people who might otherwise have been involved in street violence.
Landlord Odukoya Bosun also recalled that Ajiboye organised annual community programmes and frequently assisted residents facing financial hardship.
From carpenter to transport union power broker
Born in Kabba, Kogi State, Ajiboye attended Nigeria Model School before obtaining a National Diploma from Yaba College of Technology.
He initially learnt carpentry under his father before becoming active in the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), where he built strong grassroots influence under the leadership of Chief Gani Adams.
He later joined the NURTW, steadily rising through the ranks from an ordinary member to unit chairman before becoming the Lagos State Organising Secretary, one of the most powerful offices within the union.
Former OPC associate Adewale Yunus described him as one of the key figures in the organisation during its most active years, saying he later established the Toba Ajiboye Foundation, which provided scholarships and financial assistance to residents.
Yunus also explained that Ajiboye’s nickname, “Ijaya A Jegun Jeran,” referred to his intimidating reputation rather than any literal meaning.
A controversial legacy
Despite widespread tributes from supporters, Ajiboye remained a controversial figure because of his long association with the violent struggles that once characterised the Mushin-Fadeyi axis.
The corridor has witnessed repeated clashes involving transport union factions, cult groups and rival political interests over the years.
Court records show that in 2014, Ajiboye was arraigned alongside others over alleged involvement in killings linked to violence in Mushin.
One of the charges accused him and other suspects of unlawfully killing Muninat Agbabiaka.
However, while one of the co-defendants was later convicted in a separate murder case, the allegations against Ajiboye were not sustained due to insufficient evidence.
Violence also erupted during protests over his arraignment at the time, leading to additional fatalities between rival groups.
Security sources believe his recent assassination may have been connected to the long-running rivalry that has defined the Fadeyi area for years.
Others have linked the killing to the April 2026 murder of a suspected Buccaneers member known as Agali, alleging that Ajiboye had protected those responsible for that killing.
NURTW leaders, Gani Adams demand justice
The Chairman of Fadeyi Motor Park, Alhaji Bariu Ibrahim, popularly known as Ofelohun, rejected claims that Ajiboye deserved such a violent death.
He said the slain union leader had abandoned violence and even refused to move around with armed escorts because he believed he had no enemies.
Lagos State NURTW Chairman, Mustapha Adekunle (Sego), described Ajiboye as a loyal ally and dependable member of the union leadership.
Another union leader, Femi Jplum, praised him for supporting widows, the less privileged and many residents through his foundation.
Meanwhile, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and OPC leader, Chief Gani Adams, called on the Lagos State Police Command to carry out a thorough investigation into the assassination.
Adams described Ajiboye as a reliable and straightforward associate and dismissed allegations linking him to violent crimes, insisting he had no personal knowledge of such claims.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that investigations into the assassination remain ongoing, adding that updates would be made public when appropriate. /Additional reporting by Punch