The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has condemned the controversial inauguration of Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as its president.
The union described the action as a clear violation of multiple court rulings and an affront to the rule of law.
“Illegal and Void,” Says NURTW Leadership
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the NURTW National President, Alhaji Ibikunle Tajudeen Baruwa, declared MC Oluomo’s presidency null and void.
Baruwa referenced judgments from the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, which had affirmed his position as the legitimate president of the union.
“The purported inauguration of Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, as the President of NURTW is a flagrant disobedience to subsisting judgments,” Baruwa said.
He added that both courts had validated the union’s August 2023 National Delegates Conference in Lafia, Nasarawa State, during which he was elected president.
MC Oluomo’s Membership in Question
The NURTW emphasized that MC Oluomo is no longer a member of the union.
“MC Oluomo voluntarily exited the union in March 2021 and publicly tore his membership card,” Baruwa stated.
He stressed that under the NURTW’s constitution, Oluomo’s actions disqualified him from holding any position in the union.
“There is no vacancy in the office of the President of NURTW,” he declared.
Accusations Against Former Leadership
Baruwa also accused former NURTW president, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, of orchestrating the “illegal” inauguration.
He alleged that Yasin’s interference undermined judicial authority and posed a threat to democratic principles.
“This charade, as orchestrated by Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, is an insult to the judiciary and our democratic institutions,” Baruwa stated.
He claimed that Yasin, who had served two full terms as president, had no authority to meddle in the union’s affairs.
Calls for Government Intervention
The NURTW president urged the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene.
“We urge the Inspector General of Police to enforce the court judgment and restore order,” he said.
Baruwa further appealed to the Attorney General to ensure that the rule of law is upheld.
“This illegal act cannot be allowed to stand. It threatens peace, order, and tranquility,” he warned.
Union Members Urged to Stay Calm
Despite the tension, Baruwa called on union members nationwide to remain calm.
He assured them that the leadership is pursuing legal actions to address the situation.
“We appeal to all members of our great union to remain calm as we explore every legal means to resolve this crisis,” he said.
Judicial Backing for Baruwa’s Presidency
The courts have consistently ruled in favor of Baruwa’s leadership.
The National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal nullified the October 2023 delegates’ conference and the November 2024 election that allegedly brought MC Oluomo to power.
Baruwa reiterated that these rulings leave no room for ambiguity.
“The judiciary has affirmed my election and declared their actions null and void,” he said.
Public Outcry Against Lawlessness
The NURTW has also called on the public to reject what it describes as lawlessness.
“This is a test of our democratic institutions and the judiciary’s authority,” Baruwa said.
He warned of the dangerous precedent that could be set if such actions go unchecked.
“This affront to democracy must not be tolerated,” he stated.
Background of the Crisis
The controversy stems from longstanding disputes over leadership within the NURTW.
Baruwa was elected president during the union’s August 2023 National Delegates Conference, which received judicial validation.
However, an opposing faction, led by former acting president Aliyu Issa-Ore and backed by Yasin, held a separate conference in October 2023.
The faction’s November 2024 election resulted in MC Oluomo’s controversial emergence as president, despite his prior withdrawal from the union.
