An account of the life, career, and untimely death of Saka Saula, a powerful figure in Lagos’ transport union landscape.
Saka Saula, popularly known as “Jesu tí o ní ìgè”, was a formidable figure in Lagos’ transport sector and a former acting Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos Chapter. His death in 2008 sent shockwaves across the state, temporarily halting commercial transport activities in some areas of Lagos.
Early Life and Career
Born around 1963, Saula began his journey in Lagos in 1976 as a bus conductor, a humble position that marked the start of his climb through the ranks of the transportation industry. He later trained and became a driver, before joining the NURTW, where he steadily rose through the hierarchy.
Within the union, Saula first became a supervisor of motor parks and later the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for his branch. His leadership qualities propelled him to the position of Vice Chairman of NURTW’s Alimosho Branch ‘A’. Eventually, he was appointed Chairman of the caretaker committee, becoming one of the most influential figures in Lagos’ transport sector.
Wealth and Influence
At the peak of his career, Saula was widely regarded as one of the most powerful and wealthy union leaders in Lagos. Reports suggested he earned a daily income of approximately four hundred thousand naira, owned five SUVs, including two Hummers, and ensured his five children studied abroad.
His influence extended beyond the union, as he maintained close political ties with Lagos State authorities. In 2007, the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA), sponsored him on a trip to Colombia, Brazil, and other South American nations to study their Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, further cementing his status as a key figure in urban transport development.
Assassination
Tragically, Saula’s life was cut short on January 6, 2008, when he was assassinated at the age of 45. According to reports, he had just returned from work around 9:30 pm when two commercial motorcyclists engaged him in conversation in front of his house. Meanwhile, four armed men had already arrived at his gate, blending in by casually purchasing cigarettes at a nearby kiosk.
The assailants waited until Saula was distracted by the motorcyclists before opening fire, striking him in the chest. He attempted to flee but was chased until he collapsed in a roadside gutter. The attackers reportedly ensured he had died before leaving the scene.
Saula’s assassination highlighted the dangers faced by influential figures in Lagos’ commercial transport sector and remains a notable and tragic moment in the history of the NURTW.
Personal Life
Saka Saula was a father of five children, all of whom reportedly pursued education abroad. Details about his early family life remain limited in public records.
Legacy
Saka Saula is remembered as a powerful and influential union leader who rose from humble beginnings to dominate Lagos’ NURTW landscape. His assassination underscores the violent challenges and risks often associated with leadership in Nigeria’s transport unions.
