The leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has escalated, as Tajudeen Baruwa assumed control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, effectively displacing Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
Baruwa, who arrived at the secretariat on Monday alongside supporters from different parts of the country, said his action was in line with court rulings that affirmed his leadership of the union.
Addressing journalists, he explained that two separate court judgments—delivered by the National Industrial Court and later upheld by the Court of Appeal—recognized him as the legitimate president of the NURTW.
According to Baruwa, the union had earlier notified the police, attaching copies of the court rulings in a bid to facilitate a peaceful return to the secretariat. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the response from authorities, which he described as unhelpful.
He noted that after waiting for nearly two years without compliance from the opposing faction, his group decided to reclaim the office in a peaceful manner, insisting that the move was not forceful but a lawful execution of court orders.
Baruwa also alleged that members of the rival faction attacked one of his supporters during the process, leaving the individual hospitalized, though he maintained that the situation remained under control.
Despite the tension, he emphasized that his faction remains open to reconciliation, stressing that the union is committed to lawful conduct and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Supporting his position, the union’s General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, stated that multiple appeals had been made to those occupying the secretariat to vacate the premises, but they refused to comply. He added that the police had been duly informed of their intention to resume operations at the office in accordance with court directives.
The leadership dispute stems from Baruwa’s opposition to the emergence of MC Oluomo as the union’s president. Legal battles that followed saw the National Industrial Court affirm Baruwa’s leadership, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by rival claimants, ruling that it lacked merit and reaffirming Baruwa as the duly elected president of the union. The court also imposed a financial penalty on the appellants, further strengthening Baruwa’s position.
The development marks a significant turning point in the prolonged crisis within the NURTW, raising fresh concerns about stability within the influential transport union.
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