NURTW Crisis Deepens As Baruwa Rejects MC Oluomo As National President

Tajudeen Baruwa, who claims the title of National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has strongly opposed the inauguration of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the new President of the union.

In a statement issued by his lawyer, Mr. Tolu Babaleye, Baruwa argued that MC Oluomo’s recent inauguration as National President disregards rulings by the National Industrial Court and Court of Appeal, both of which affirmed Baruwa as the union’s legitimate leader.

Baruwa’s lawyer emphasized that the inauguration not only defies the union’s constitution, which outlines leadership tenure, but also ignores court judgments.

“It appears a faction took it upon themselves, without regard for the union’s constitution or court decisions, to select a random individual as President,” Baruwa said.

According to Babaleye, Baruwa was sworn in as NURTW President in line with the union’s constitution in 2023.

A dissatisfied faction, led by former President Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, created a caretaker committee following the election, challenging Baruwa’s position.

In response, Baruwa opted for legal action rather than conflict, securing a National Industrial Court ruling in his favor on March 11, 2024, which dissolved the caretaker committee.

When Yasin appealed, seeking to overturn this decision, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed his appeal on November 8, 2024, affirming Baruwa’s leadership and barring Yasin from interfering with union operations.

Following the judgment, Baruwa expressed shock at MC Oluomo’s inauguration, which he described as a blatant disregard for court orders.

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

Baruwa’s lawyer further urged the Attorney General of the Federation to uphold judicial integrity, reiterating that the court-recognized leader of NURTW remains Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa Ibikunle.