The social media enclave has been agog with the alleged harassment, dehumanisation, and abuse meted on Lawori, a Nollywood actor, by National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) member and leader, Koko Zaria.
Lawori has alleged that Koko Zaria ordered his boys to manhandle him, smash a bottle on his head, and dehumanise him. The reason behind the alleged attack remains a mystery, with only both parties able to provide answers.
The incident has raised numerous questions from various quarters. What could have transpired between Lawori and Koko Zaria to warrant such an attack? Why did Koko Zaria’s boys smash a bottle on his head, knowing he was the Master of Ceremony at the event? Was it a planned attack? These and many more questions are begging for answers.
It is well-known that the Yoruba genre of Nollywood has had a good relationship with the NURTW, especially during the tenure of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, former NURTW boss in Lagos State. Koko Zaria, too, was part of this relationship and has appeared in some Yoruba movies. Lawori, being an entertainer and Nollywood actor, at the centre of this incident, speaks volumes.
MC Oluomo and Koko Zaria have not been on the same page since the emergence of Adekunle Mustapha, popularly known as Sego, as the NURTW leader. MC Oluomo allegedly felt betrayed by Koko Zaria, who switched allegiance to Sego when MC Oluomo left the saddle.
A group in the Yoruba movie industry has warned the warring parties, Lawori and Koko Zaria, not to soil the relationship that has existed over the years between the Yoruba Nollywood industry and the NURTW. They urged both parties to settle their rift and let peace reign.
Some analysts in the entertainment industry believe it is necessary for the police and security agencies to wade into the Lawori and Koko Zaria debacle, as there could be a reprisal attack from the Lawori faction, which may escalate the situation.
They also believe that the NURTW boss in Lagos, Sego, should have addressed the situation when it went viral by calling Koko Zaria to unravel what really transpired.
Close observers suggest that the fracas is brewing up due to MC Oluomo and Koko Zaria losing relevance before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has previously shielded and supported them.
There are insinuations from the grapevine that the perceived rift between MC Oluomo and Koko Zaria may be stage-managed to gain the attention of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Some also believe that the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along with the Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and the Commissioner for Transportation, Seun Seun Osiyemi, should address the situation.
The activities of NURTW members, known for violence, are causing actors to fear moving around due to the risk of humiliation and unforeseen attacks from these miscreants.
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