The leadership crisis 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, accompanied by supporters from across the country, addressed journalists shortly after the takeover, stating that his action was backed by two court rulings affirming his leadership.
He explained that the union had earlier notified the Nigerian Police, submitting copies of the judgments to facilitate the recovery of the secretariat. However, due to what he described as an unsatisfactory response, the union issued a follow-up notice declaring its intention to reclaim the office in line with the court’s directives.
According to Baruwa, the takeover was carried out peacefully and in compliance with the law. He emphasized that the union had waited nearly two years for the enforcement of the court rulings before deciding to act.
He said the group remained committed to maintaining peace despite an alleged attack on one of its members during the process, adding that the union was still open to reconciliation.
Supporting the move, the union’s General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, said all legal steps were followed, including notifying the police ahead of the action. He noted that those previously occupying the secretariat had refused to vacate despite multiple appeals.
Baruwa has consistently opposed the emergence of MC Oluomo as NURTW president, insisting on his own legitimacy.
Court rulings from both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal had earlier affirmed Baruwa as the duly elected president of the union and barred interference in the activities of his executive.
In a judgment delivered on November 8, the Court of Appeal upheld an earlier ruling recognizing Baruwa’s leadership and dismissed an appeal filed by rival members, describing it as lacking merit. The court also awarded ₦100,000 in costs against the appellants, who are loyal to MC Oluomo.
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