Baruwa oust MC Oluomo, take over NURTW Abuja secretariat
The leadership tussle within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) escalated on Monday as Tajudeen Baruwa assumed control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, effectively displacing Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo.
Baruwa, who arrived at the secretariat with supporters from across the country, told journalists that his action was backed by court rulings affirming his leadership.
He explained that the union had previously notified the Nigerian Police and submitted copies of the judgments to facilitate a smooth handover but received little cooperation.
He said, “Their body language has not been encouraging despite repeated assurances that we are not out to cause trouble. We are a law-abiding union simply reclaiming what belongs to us.”
He added that the takeover followed nearly two years of waiting for compliance with court orders.
“Today’s action is peaceful and not forceful. We are only enforcing valid court judgments after exhausting all lawful options,” Baruwa stated, while also alleging that a member of his faction was attacked during the process but that the situation remained under control.
The union’s General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, also defended the move, noting that authorities had been duly informed ahead of the takeover.
“We officially notified the police that we would be resuming at our office in line with the court’s directive. We are glad the media is here to witness this moment,” Musa said, accusing the opposing faction of refusing to vacate the premises despite repeated appeals.
The dispute stems from Baruwa’s opposition to the emergence of MC Oluomo as NURTW president.
However, multiple court rulings have since tilted the balance in his favour.
The National Industrial Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice O.O. Oyewumi, affirmed Baruwa as the duly elected president of the union.
This decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on November 8, 2024, which dismissed an appeal challenging his leadership for lacking merit.
The appellate court, in its ruling delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, also awarded ₦100,000 in costs against the appellants—individuals identified as loyalists of MC Oluomo.
With the latest development, Baruwa has effectively consolidated control of the union’s national secretariat, though the leadership crisis within the NURTW may yet persist.
