NURTW: Group kicks over emergence of MC Oluomo as national leader

The recent inauguration of Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has sparked strong opposition from Tajudeen Baruwa, who asserts he is the union’s legitimate leader.

Baruwa, represented by his lawyer, Tolu Babaleye, condemned Oluomo’s appointment, claiming it defies both the union’s constitution and multiple court rulings.

In a statement released by his legal team, Baruwa argued that MC Oluomo’s inauguration as National President disregards decisions by the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal.

These courts, Baruwa states, have upheld his position as the lawful head of the union. “It appears a faction took it upon themselves, ignoring court decisions and the union’s constitution, to declare a random individual as President,” Baruwa remarked.

According to Babaleye, Baruwa’s leadership was formally established in 2023, in line with NURTW’s constitutional processes. However, a faction led by former NURTW President Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin set up a caretaker committee shortly after Baruwa’s election, challenging his authority. To counter this, Baruwa pursued legal action, resulting in a National Industrial Court ruling in his favor on March 11, 2024, which dissolved the caretaker committee.

Despite Yasin’s attempt to overturn the decision, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed his appeal on November 8, 2024, affirming Baruwa’s leadership and barring Yasin from interfering in union affairs. Following this judgment, Baruwa expressed shock at the recent inauguration of MC Oluomo, calling it a “blatant disregard for court orders.”

Baruwa stated unequivocally, “Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, known as MC Oluomo, is not, and cannot be, the National President of the Union,” urging media outlets to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise.

Additionally, Baruwa’s lawyer called on the Attorney General of the Federation to uphold the authority of the judiciary and recognize Baruwa as the court-sanctioned leader of the NURTW, emphasizing the importance of respecting judicial integrity in union matters.