MC Oluomo out as Baruwa takes over NURTW secretariat

The leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers NURTW took a fresh turn on Monday, March 23, 2025, as Tajudeen Baruwa assumed control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, displacing Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.

The development follows a series of court rulings that have reshaped the union’s leadership structure in favour of Baruwa.

Earlier judgments by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and the Court of Appeal Nigeria restrained interference in the affairs of the Baruwa-led executive.

In a judgment delivered in suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023, Justice O.O. Oyewumi of the National Industrial Court affirmed Baruwa as the duly elected president of the union. This position was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja in its ruling of November 8, 2024 (Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/293/2024).

The appellate court also reaffirmed the earlier judgment of March 11, 2024, which recognised Baruwa’s leadership. A three-member panel comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi dismissed the appeal filed by Najeem Usman Yasin, Tajudeen Agbede, and others, describing it as lacking merit.

The court further awarded N100,000 in costs against the appellants—identified as loyalists of Akinsanya—thereby reinforcing Baruwa’s position as the legitimate president of the union.

Addressing journalists at the secretariat, Baruwa, flanked by supporters from across the country, insisted that the takeover was in compliance with valid court judgments.

He said the union had earlier notified the Nigeria Police Force, attaching certified copies of the rulings to facilitate the recovery of the secretariat, but expressed dissatisfaction with the response from law enforcement authorities.

According to him, the perceived inaction prompted a follow-up notice and the decision to resume operations at the secretariat.

“Their body language has not been encouraging despite repeated assurances that we are not here to foment trouble. We are a law-abiding union whose mission is to reclaim what rightfully belongs to us,” he said.
“But today, as you can see, we are taking over in a peaceful manner. This is not a forceful takeover but a lawful execution of court orders.

“Our return after two years is simply to occupy our office, having secured judgments at both the lower court and the Court of Appeal.

Despite waiting for compliance, the orders were not obeyed, leaving us with no option but to resume,” he added.

Baruwa, however, alleged that members of the opposing faction attacked one of his supporters, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital, though he noted that the situation remains under control.

He reiterated his willingness to pursue reconciliation, emphasising that the union remains committed to lawful conduct.

“We are still open to reconciliation. We are not troublemakers. No one is above the law,” he said.