Baruwa Assumes Control of NURTW Secretariat, Displacing MC Oluomo After Court Rulings
The leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has escalated dramatically, with Tajudeen Baruwa officially taking over the union's national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, March 23, 2025. This development effectively displaces Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, from his position, marking a significant shift in the union's power dynamics following a series of decisive court judgments.
Legal Backing for Baruwa's Takeover
The transition of leadership is firmly rooted in judicial rulings that have consistently favored Baruwa. In a landmark judgment delivered in suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023, Justice O.O. Oyewumi of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria unequivocally affirmed Baruwa as the duly elected president of the NURTW. This decision was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja on November 8, 2024, under Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/293/2024, which also reaffirmed an earlier judgment from March 11, 2024, recognizing Baruwa's leadership.
A three-member panel of the appellate court, comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi, dismissed an appeal filed by Najeem Usman Yasin, Tajudeen Agbede, and others, describing it as lacking merit. The court further imposed costs of N100,000 against the appellants, who are identified as loyalists of Akinsanya, thereby solidifying Baruwa's legitimacy as the union's president.
Peaceful Execution Amid Allegations of Inaction
Addressing journalists at the secretariat, Baruwa, surrounded by supporters from various regions of the country, emphasized that the takeover was conducted peacefully and in strict compliance with valid court orders. He revealed that the union had previously notified the Nigeria Police Force, providing certified copies of the rulings to facilitate the recovery of the secretariat. However, Baruwa expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived inaction from law enforcement authorities, which he claimed prompted a follow-up notice and the ultimate decision to resume operations at the facility.
"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," Baruwa stated. "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."
He added, "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."
Allegations of Violence and Calls for Reconciliation
Despite the peaceful nature of the takeover, Baruwa alleged that members of the opposing faction attacked one of his supporters, who is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital. He noted, however, that the situation remains under control and reiterated his commitment to lawful conduct. Baruwa also expressed openness to reconciliation, stressing that the union is not seeking conflict.
"We are still open to reconciliation. We are not troublemakers. No one is above the law," he asserted, highlighting the union's dedication to resolving disputes through legal and peaceful means.
This takeover marks a pivotal moment in the NURTW's ongoing leadership struggles, with Baruwa's ascension backed by judicial authority and a clear mandate from the courts. The union's future direction now hinges on how both factions navigate this transition, with potential implications for transport workers across Nigeria.
