Fresh Details Emerge On How Osun NURTW Chief ‘Emir’ Was Brutally K!lled

Fresh details have emerged surrounding the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as ‘Emir’, a political associate of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and a prominent figure within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Oyeyemi was reportedly attacked by gunmen near Mayfair Motor Park in Ile-Ife shortly after attending a meeting in Modakeke. According to Bush Radio Academy, an eyewitness said the attackers called him out of a canteen where he had stopped to eat with some associates before opening fire on him.

The witness alleged that Oyeyemi was shot several times and later struck on the head with a hammer before the assailants fled the scene at about 3:15 p.m. His Personal Assistant, identified as Samuel Gbogo, reportedly fled during the attack.

The eyewitness further claimed that despite sustaining gunshot wounds, Oyeyemi struggled with one of the attackers in an attempt to seize his rifle. However, the assailants allegedly overpowered him, assaulted him with a hammer and shot him again before leaving the area.

The incident reportedly occurred after Oyeyemi attended a peace meeting involving NURTW leaders at the residence of Osun State Commissioner for Transportation, Sesan Oyedele, in Modakeke. Sources said Oyeyemi had informed close associates that he was travelling to Modakeke for the meeting ahead of his expected appointment as head of the state’s Park Management System.

According to accounts surrounding the meeting, Oyeyemi arrived at the commissioner’s residence at about 8:49 a.m., alongside other NURTW leaders and executives. Some union members reportedly alleged that the commissioner informed participants that the state government had endorsed Oyeyemi as the next chairman of the park management system.

Photographs were reportedly taken after the meeting before the participants departed. On their way back, Oyeyemi and some other NURTW members reportedly stopped at Mayfair Motor Park, where the fatal attack took place.

A witness claimed some of the attackers were wearing uniforms associated with a local security outfit, although the allegation has not been independently verified. The witness also alleged that Oyeyemi was unfamiliar with the area and was pursued before he was eventually attacked.

After the gunmen left, people at the scene reportedly attempted to rescue Oyeyemi and rushed him for medical attention. One account claimed that he briefly showed signs of life while he was being transported for treatment.

He was reportedly taken to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, although a family member allegedly instructed those accompanying him not to allow doctors to administer an injection because of a belief that Oyeyemi possessed what was described as ‘apaji’, or a supposed resurrection power.

The account further claimed that he was instead taken to a herbalist for traditional rites. According to the witness, the herbalist later advised the group to return Oyeyemi to a hospital for proper medical treatment after carrying out the rites.

Oyeyemi was subsequently placed on oxygen and remained under medical care before reportedly dying at about 10:38 p.m. His body was later taken to a mortuary.

The circumstances surrounding the killing have renewed concerns over longstanding disputes involving control of motor parks, NURTW leadership and political interests in Osun State. Sources also linked the incident to controversies surrounding Oyeyemi’s past and his involvement in transport-related affairs.

One source alleged that individuals whom Oyeyemi trusted may have betrayed him, questioning why a peace meeting involving him was held in Modakeke and why he later travelled to Ile-Ife, an area described by the source as unfamiliar territory for him.

The allegations surrounding the identity of the attackers, their motives and possible involvement of individuals in authority remain unconfirmed. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances of the killing and establish those responsible.