Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Emotions ran high on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, as family members, colleagues, friends, and supporters gathered in Ketu, Lagos, to bid a final farewell to the slain Organising Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya. The burial ceremony, held at the deceased's home in Ereko, Fadeyi, drew a large crowd of mourners, including community leaders, residents, NURTW members, and security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority who assisted in managing the emotional gathering. Videos circulating on social media showed mourners in large numbers, with emotional scenes as sympathisers paid their last respects.
Ajiboye died after succumbing to gunshot injuries sustained when unidentified gunmen attacked his vehicle in the Fadeyi area of Lagos on Sunday evening, July 19, 2026. According to sources familiar with the incident, Ajiboye had visited Fadeyi, where he grew up, to see childhood friends before he was ambushed while leaving the area. The gunmen intercepted his vehicle along the Ikorodu Road corridor and opened fire, leaving the vehicle riddled with bullets. Three other occupants of the vehicle also sustained gunshot wounds and remain hospitalised in critical condition.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident and launched a manhunt for the assailants. The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said investigations had commenced while efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible. "The incident happened on Sunday, and one person died. He is a member of the transport union in Lagos. Investigation has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the killers," Hundeyin said.
The funeral ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, and NURTW members and leaders, including Abdulazeez Lawal, popularly known as Kunle Poly. Christian and Muslim clerics offered prayers for the bereaved relatives and paid tribute to the deceased. A private school in Fadeyi, Great Josade School, located in Ereko where Ajiboye's house is situated, temporarily suspended academic activities on Tuesday as a mark of respect for the slain union leader. A banner displayed at the entrance of the school bore his photograph alongside an obituary message that read, "Please no school tomorrow in order to honour our amiable brother and father".
Reacting to the killing, the Chairman of the Lagos State NURTW, Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, described Ajiboye as a loyal ally, dependable friend, and committed union leader. In a tribute shared on Facebook, Sego said, "The news of the sudden passing of Comrade Toba Ajiboye has left me deeply saddened and heartbroken. It is difficult to come to terms with the loss of such a loyal, dependable, and committed ally. Comrade Toba Ajiboye was more than an ally; he was a trusted friend, a man of steadfast loyalty and unwavering commitment, and a true pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation. His friendship, unwavering support, and selfless dedication to the union over the years will forever remain etched in my heart".
Ajiboye's death has continued to generate mixed reactions online. While many mourned him as a loyal union leader, philanthropist, and community benefactor, others argued that his legacy could not be separated from longstanding allegations of violence and controversies surrounding transport union politics in Lagos. The motive behind the attack has yet to be established as police investigations continue. Security personnel have been deployed to strategic locations across the state to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
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