A fresh leadership crisis has erupted in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), as Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has insisted he is still the union’s National President despite a reported takeover of the union’s national secretariat by Tajudeen Baruwa.
The dispute, which has been building for months, took a dramatic turn on Monday when Baruwa and his supporters reportedly moved into the NURTW national headquarters, claiming authority based on court rulings said to be in their favour. The development has raised concerns among union members and the wider public, especially given the important role the NURTW plays in Nigeria’s transport sector.
In a statement shared on his Instagram page, MC Oluomo described the move as a “forceful takeover” and rejected any suggestion that he had lost his position. He stressed that the legal battle over the leadership of the union is still ongoing and has not been finally decided by the courts.
“The National President wishes to intimate members of the union and the general public that he was not a defendant in the purported judgment,” the statement read. He added that the judgment referenced by Baruwa has already been appealed and that a stay of execution has been secured, meaning the ruling should not yet be enforced.
MC Oluomo also stated that he has not held any discussions with Baruwa or any other individuals regarding the leadership issue, noting that the matter remains before the courts. According to him, security agencies are monitoring the situation to maintain order and prevent violence.
The statement concluded with a firm declaration: “Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya remains the National President of NURTW.”
The NURTW is one of the most influential unions in Nigeria, particularly in urban centres where it regulates the activities of commercial drivers, bus parks, and ticketing systems. The union has long been associated with political mobilisation and grassroots influence, making its leadership highly contested.
MC Oluomo, a prominent figure in Lagos politics and transport operations, rose to national leadership of the union after years of influence within the Lagos chapter. His emergence followed internal disagreements that led to factional divisions within the union.
On the other hand, Baruwa has also laid claim to the presidency, arguing that court decisions have validated his position. Although details of the specific rulings remain unclear to the public, his supporters insist that due process has been followed and that the takeover of the secretariat is lawful.
A stay of execution, as referenced by MC Oluomo, is a legal order that temporarily suspends the enforcement of a court judgment pending the outcome of an appeal. If properly granted, it means that actions based on the earlier ruling should not proceed until the appeal is resolved.
Security agencies have reportedly stepped in to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Their presence is seen as crucial in maintaining calm, particularly in Lagos and other major cities where the NURTW has a strong presence.
For many Nigerians, the crisis is more than just an internal union matter. The NURTW plays a central role in daily transportation, affecting millions of commuters who rely on buses and other forms of public transport. Any instability within the union could have ripple effects on transport fares, park management, and overall service delivery.
As the legal process continues, attention is now focused on the courts to provide clarity on the leadership question. Until then, both MC Oluomo and Baruwa appear set to maintain their claims, leaving the union divided.
Union members and stakeholders have called for calm and urged both sides to respect the rule of law. Some have also appealed for dialogue as a way to resolve the crisis without further escalation.