The controversy surrounding Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, took another twist as the Southwest Zonal Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Olalekan Folorunsho, clarified his position.
Folorunsho, also known as Lekan Salami, stated that MC Oluomo is no longer a member of the NURTW and is ineligible to hold any office within the union.
In a press statement issued over the weekend, the zonal chairman said MC Oluomo’s departure from the union in 2022 was voluntary and final.
He explained that Akinsanya publicly tore his NURTW identity card and announced his exit following a disciplinary query issued by the national leadership.
“Since that time, MC Oluomo has not returned to the union officially,” Folorunsho declared.
He also noted that the NURTW’s constitution requires a member seeking to rejoin the union to submit a formal application to the national leadership.
“The process is clear,” Folorunsho said. “If approved, such a member must spend two years at the unit chairman level before contesting for any higher office. MC Oluomo has not fulfilled these requirements.”
Folorunsho urged government authorities to resist endorsing gangsterism and instead uphold the rule of law.
“Impersonation Will Not Be Tolerated”
The zonal chairman also addressed allegations against former union officials, including Alhaji Moshood Ajao.
Ajao, a retired NURTW secretary in Osun State, has allegedly been presenting himself as a leader within the union.
Folorunsho dismissed this claim, insisting that Ajao’s retirement and subsequent receipt of entitlements render him ineligible for such a role.
“Our constitution recognizes only former chairmen as leaders in their respective states,” he said. “In Osun, only myself and Alhaji Nasiru Komolafe have this status.”
He warned Ajao to cease any activities that could amount to impersonation, adding, “The union will not tolerate such actions.”
A Divided Union
The NURTW has faced internal divisions in recent years, particularly following the election of its current national president, Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa.
Folorunsho criticized those who participated in Baruwa’s election but later turned against the union.
Among those he mentioned were Chief Omotayo Falope, also known as Oloforo, and Mustapha Ismail, alias Yaro Ade.
“These individuals have orchestrated kangaroo elections that are illegitimate,” Folorunsho said.
He emphasized that key southwestern states—Osun, Oyo, and Lagos—were absent during these elections.
Folorunsho reaffirmed Baruwa’s presidency, highlighting that his tenure has been upheld by the Appeal Court.
Call for Government Intervention
Folorunsho appealed to the Federal Government to act decisively in resolving the crisis within the NURTW.
“The government must ensure that the rule of law prevails,” he said. “MC Oluomo should be called to order.”
He described Baruwa’s leadership as legitimate and urged authorities to respect the judiciary’s decisions.
“The NURTW in Osun State remains under the leadership of Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa,” he added.
