Baruwa Ousts MC Oluomo as NURTW President, Reclaims Secretariat

Baruwa Ousts MC Oluomo as NURTW President, Reclaims Secretariat

A fresh twist has emerged in the leadership tussle within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) as Tajudeen Baruwa has taken control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, effectively displacing Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo.

Baruwa, who arrived at the secretariat on Monday alongside supporters drawn from different parts of the country, said his action was in compliance with court judgments affirming him as the legitimate leader of the union.

Addressing journalists shortly after the takeover, he maintained that the move was lawful and long overdue, stressing that the union had exercised patience for nearly two years.

“We are not here to cause any trouble. We are a law-abiding organisation. Our coming here is simply to enforce the court’s decision and reclaim what belongs to us,” Baruwa said.

He explained that the union had earlier written to the police, attaching copies of the judgments to facilitate a smooth handover, but expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of decisive response.

“After waiting for a long time and seeing no compliance, we had no option but to resume at our office peacefully. This is not a forceful takeover; it is the execution of valid court orders,” he added.

Despite the largely calm atmosphere, Baruwa alleged that a member of his faction was attacked during the process and is currently receiving medical attention. He, however, said the situation remained under control and reiterated his willingness to pursue reconciliation.

Also speaking, the union’s General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, said all necessary notifications had been issued to security agencies ahead of the move.

“We formally informed the police that we would be returning to our office based on the court’s directive. We are glad that the process is being witnessed, so the public understands what is happening,” he said.

The development follows a series of court rulings that have reshaped the leadership structure of the union. The National Industrial Court had earlier affirmed Baruwa as the duly elected president, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

In its judgment, the appellate court dismissed an appeal filed by individuals aligned with the opposing faction, describing it as lacking merit and reinforcing the earlier ruling that recognised Baruwa’s leadership.

The latest move is expected to deepen conversations around the lingering crisis within the NURTW, which has seen rival factions lay claim to leadership amid legal battles and internal disagreements.