The Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has reaffirmed Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as “Makavelli,” as its duly elected chairman, while distancing itself from claims by former Vice Chairman, Akindele Tosin, to the union’s leadership.

 In a public disclaimer issued by the union’s State Administrative Council (SAC) and State Executive Council (SEC), AUATON said a confidence vote conducted during a duly convened SEC meeting on June 19, 2026, reaffirmed Azeez’s leadership of the Lagos State chapter.

According to the union, 57 members of the State Executive Council participated in the exercise, with 51 members voting in support of Azeez while six abstained. The council said the outcome reaffirmed its confidence in his leadership and confirmed him as the substantive and recognised chairman of AUATON Lagos State Council.

The union stated that Akindele Tosin is neither the chairman, acting chairman nor an authorised representative of the council.

AUATON alleged that Tosin, who previously served as vice chairman, was suspended by the State Executive Council over actions it described as detrimental to the interests of the union, including alleged anti-union activities and failure to account for funds entrusted to him in connection with the 2025 May Day celebrations.

Despite the suspension, the union claimed Tosin has continued to present himself to government agencies, stakeholders and members of the public as the acting chairman of the Lagos State Council.

“It amounts to misrepresentation and an attempt to create confusion regarding the legitimate leadership structure of the union,” the council said.

The union further alleged that Tosin’s actions were being encouraged by Akolawole Aina, a former Southwest Zonal Chairman of AUATON, who it said had also previously been suspended from the union.

AUATON warned government institutions, labour organisations, transport stakeholders and members of the public against recognising or engaging with Tosin on behalf of the Lagos State Council.

It stressed that any correspondence, agreements, directives, financial transactions or commitments purportedly made by him in the name of the council should be considered unauthorised and non-binding on the union.

The council advised stakeholders to verify all official communications and representations through the recognised leadership of the union under Azeez.

The statement was endorsed by members of the State Administrative Council, State Executive Council and branch executives across Lagos, who said the notice was necessary to safeguard the integrity, stability and reputation of the union.