The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) says it has suspended its Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Azeez Olalabi.

The union said in a statement signed by its South-West Zonal Chairman, Kolawole Aina, on Tuesday that it suspended Mr Olalabi from the state’s leadership over alleged gross misconduct.

The union said that the suspension followed the recommendation of its Central Working Committee (CWC) after disciplinary proceedings.

It said it received petition against Mr Olalabi over hooliganism, insurrection and insubordination, saying the allegations contravened Article 30 of the union’s constitution.

According to the statement, a disciplinary committee constituted by the CWC invited Mr Olalabi on several occasions to appear before it for a fair hearing, but he allegedly failed to honour the invitations.

It said the committee subsequently submitted its report to the NEC, which resolved to suspend him from the union’s state leadership with immediate effect.

“The NEC overwhelmingly resolved to suspend him from the union leadership at the state level,” the statement noted.

The union also announced that Tosin Akindele had been appointed to act as chairman of the Lagos State chapter until further notice.

It further stated that Mr Olalabi no longer represented the interests of AUATON or its members, warning individuals and organisations against transacting union business with him in the capacity of state chairman.

Efforts to reach Mr Olalabi was unsuccessful.

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) is a formally registered trade union in Nigeria, affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

It represents and advocates the rights, welfare, and safety of e-hailing drivers, dispatch riders, and app-based food/delivery workers.

AUATON was established to protect platform workers from exploitation and unsafe working conditions. 

(NAN)