The Department of State Services (DSS) has successfully apprehended the notorious Mukaila Lamidi, better known by his alias Auxiliary. The former chairman of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), Auxiliary, had been a wanted man for months following his daring escape during a previous arrest in May 2023. His capture on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, at his residence in the Olodo area of Ibadan marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the once-powerful PMS organization.
The Rise and Fall of the PMS
The PMS, under Auxiliary’s leadership, faced numerous accusations of violence, extortion, and intimidation. In a bid to curb these alleged activities, Governor Seyi Makinde took the bold step of dissolving the PMS committee in 2023. This move sparked a series of events that culminated in Auxiliary’s initial arrest and subsequent escape, plunging the state’s transport sector into turmoil.
A Trail of Trouble: Auxiliary’s Checkered Past
Allegations of Violence and Intimidation
Auxiliary’s rise to prominence in the Oyo State transport sector was as swift as it was controversial. His methods were often heavy-handed, with allegations of his loyalists resorting to violence to maintain control of motor parks. These tactics instilled fear among rival unions and commuters alike, creating an environment of tension and insecurity.
The PMS Dissolution and Subsequent Unrest
In May 2023, tensions reached a boiling point when Governor Makinde disbanded the PMS. Auxiliary’s supporters, allegedly incited by the former chairman, reacted with fury. Reports of violence and unrest surfaced, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. During a raid aimed at restoring order, Auxiliary was apprehended. However, in a dramatic turn of events that left many questions unanswered, he managed to escape custody, leaving a trail of uncertainty in his wake.
Governor Makinde’s Resolve: Standing Firm Against Impunity
A Steadfast Commitment to Law and Order
Governor Makinde’s unwavering stance against the alleged lawlessness associated with the PMS won him both praise and criticism. While some viewed his actions as a necessary step towards restoring order in the transport sector, others questioned the timing and potential political motivations behind the PMS’s dissolution.
Following Auxiliary’s escape, Governor Makinde remained resolute in his commitment to upholding the law. He reportedly vowed to ensure Auxiliary’s recapture, stating, “Only Governor Seyi Makinde and I will remain here because we won’t run away.” This unwavering determination appears to have paid off with Auxiliary’s recent arrest.
Questions Remain: What Lies Ahead for Auxiliary and the Oyo State Transport Sector?
The Power Vacuum and Potential Instability
Auxiliary’s capture raises several questions about the future of the transport sector in Oyo State. With the former chairman now in custody, will there be a renewed sense of peace and order within the motor parks? Or will rival unions vying for control create a power vacuum, leading to further instability?
The Oyo State government, under Governor Makinde’s leadership, now faces the critical task of implementing a sustainable and legitimate system for managing the state’s motor parks. This will require not only robust enforcement of the law but also the creation of an environment that fosters healthy competition within the transport sector.
Reactions Pour In: A City Divided?
Relief and Hope for a Safer Transport System
News of Auxiliary’s arrest has elicited mixed reactions from the people of Oyo State. Some residents, particularly those who felt terrorized by Auxiliary’s alleged tactics, have expressed relief and hope for a safer transport system. They view the capture as a positive step towards restoring order and accountability in the sector.
Political Tensions and Accusations of Witch Hunt
However, others who may have benefited from Auxiliary’s patronage or who hold opposing political views may view his capture as a politically motivated witch hunt. These individuals may perceive the arrest as a means for Governor Makinde’s administration to consolidate power and silence dissenting voices within the transport sector.
Moving Forward: A Call for Transparency and Reform
Thorough Investigation and Accountability
The saga of auxiliary services and the PMS highlights the urgent need for transparency and reform within Oyo State’s transport sector. A thorough investigation into the allegations of violence and extortion associated with the PMS is crucial. This investigation should aim to uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable, and provide closure for the victims of any wrongdoing.
Establishing a Clear and Well-Defined Framework
Additionally, establishing a clear and well-defined framework for managing motor parks with a focus on safety, accountability, and fair competition is essential. This framework should involve input from various stakeholders, including transport unions, commuters, and law enforcement agencies, to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the sector.
A Lasting Solution: Genuine Reform and Commitment to the Rule of Law
The successful capture of auxiliary equipment is a positive step towards restoring order in Oyo State’s transport sector. However, the real test lies in the steps the state government takes to ensure a lasting solution to the state’s transportation woes. Only through genuine reform and a steadfast commitment to upholding the law can Oyo State truly move forward from the shadow cast by Auxiliary and the PMS.
As the investigation unfolds and the dust settles, all eyes will be on Governor Makinde’s administration to deliver on its promises of transparency, accountability, and a safer, more efficient transport system for the people of Oyo State.
