‘MC Oluomo Not NURTW Member, Tinubu Should Call Him To Order’

The Southwest Zonal Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Olalekan Folorunsho, popularly known as Lekan Salami, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to intervene and address the actions of Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo.

Naija News reports that MC Oluomo was recently declared NURTW President by a faction following a controversial election in Osogbo, Osun State, which has since been invalidated by the Appeal Court. On November 8, the appellate court upheld a March 11, 2024 ruling by the National Industrial Court, reaffirming Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa’s position as the legitimate National President of the NURTW.

In a statement released on Monday, Olalekan Salami condemned the ongoing “gangsterism” within the union, reiterating that MC Oluomo is not a recognized member of the NURTW.

According to Salami, Oluomo had officially renounced his membership in 2022 after being queried by the union’s national leadership, even tearing up his NURTW identity card at the time.

Salami Questions MC Oluomo’s Legitimacy

Salami emphasized that the NURTW has no records of MC Oluomo rejoining the union and pointed out that the organization’s constitution mandates a formal process for returning members.

He said this includes submitting a written request to the national leadership, starting at the unit chairman level, and serving at least two years before seeking any higher office—a process Oluomo has not followed.

“It is disheartening that MC Oluomo continues to act as though he is a member of the union, despite having left in 2022. The union’s constitution is clear, and his actions lack legitimacy,” Salami said.

Warning Against Impersonation

Salami also addressed allegations against Alhaji Moshood Ajao, a former NURTW secretary, for claiming leadership in Osun State.

Salami clarified that the union’s constitution only recognizes former state chairmen as leaders, naming himself and Alhaji Nasiru Komolafe as the only legitimate leaders in Osun State.

He warned Ajao to desist from impersonating a union leader, describing such actions as unacceptable.

Questioning the Osogbo Election

Salami dismissed the Osogbo election as illegitimate, highlighting that three key southwestern states—Osun, Oyo, and Lagos—were not represented, while Ogun State had factional disputes that further undermined the process.

He accused Chief Omotayo Falope (Oloforo) and Mustapha Ismail (Yaro Ade), the Ogun State factional chairman, of betraying the union by supporting MC Oluomo.

“The election of Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa was legitimate and held in Ekiti. Those who now oppose him were part of that process, and we have evidence to prove it,” Salami stated.

Call for Federal Government Intervention

Salami urged the Federal Government to take action against MC Oluomo to preserve the rule of law and the sanctity of the judiciary.

“I believe the government will not condone this gangsterism. The judiciary’s decision affirming Baruwa’s leadership must be respected,” he said.

Salami reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting Baruwa’s leadership, citing the Appeal Court’s recent verdict as a clear mandate for stability and continuity within the NURTW.