The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has plunged into a leadership crisis as its national officers accuse the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of imposing Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the union’s president.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the union’s leadership alleged that Gbajabiamila was the architect of the ongoing conflict. The letter, dated December 24, 2024, was signed by the union’s National President, Alhaji Ibikunle Tajudeen Baruwa, along with its Acting General Secretary, Comrade Sulaimon A. Musa, and Treasurer, Bello Maduganari.
Union Constitution Undermined
The union claims the Chief of Staff’s interference is eroding its constitution. “Your Excellency, the actions attributed to Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila have exacerbated tensions, leaving no hope for the survival of the union without your intervention,” the letter stated.
Baruwa, re-elected for a second term in May 2023, detailed how the union’s leadership has faced disruptions since August 2023, when a group allegedly stormed the National Secretariat. Despite securing favorable judgments from the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, Baruwa alleged that MC Oluomo was still installed as the union’s president under controversial circumstances.
“Sir, it is disheartening that figures allegedly defying court orders appear to have the backing of high-ranking officials,” the letter read.
MC Oluomo’s Contentious Rise
MC Oluomo’s elevation to NURTW presidency was marked by unanimous delegate votes during a union conference in Osogbo, Osun State. However, critics argue that his nomination bypassed due process.
“MC Oluomo did not participate in any election for the presidency of the union,” the letter emphasized. It further accused the former NURTW president, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, of orchestrating Oluomo’s inauguration, despite his withdrawal from the union to chair Lagos State’s Park Management Committee.
The Shadow of Tinubu’s Loyalty
MC Oluomo, a known loyalist of President Tinubu, has repeatedly declared allegiance to the political leader. In a 2018 Instagram post, he described Tinubu as the architect of his success. “I wear the Jagaban jersey. Wherever his interest lies, that’s where I stand,” he wrote.
His close ties to Tinubu and influence in Lagos politics have made him a polarizing figure. Critics have accused him of using his position to intimidate political opponents and disrupt elections.
A History of Controversy
MC Oluomo’s leadership style and methods have often been under scrutiny. During the 2023 general elections, he faced backlash for a video where he threatened Lagos residents, particularly Igbos, against voting for opposition candidates.
“Stay home if you’re not voting for APC,” he warned, in remarks that drew widespread condemnation. Despite public outrage, he faced no official sanctions, further fueling concerns over his unchecked power.
Union Leaders Seek Tinubu’s Intervention
The NURTW leaders are appealing to Tinubu’s sense of justice and democratic principles. “We believe the ‘coup de grâce’ to this crisis can only come from Your Excellency, given your commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” Baruwa wrote.
The letter implores Tinubu to scrutinize the actions of his Chief of Staff, warning of the long-term implications for industrial democracy.
Gbajabiamila’s Role Under Fire
Femi Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has not responded to the allegations. The Chief of Staff is accused of leveraging his political clout to secure MC Oluomo’s presidency, undermining the union’s autonomy.
“The Chief of Staff’s actions are seen as a direct affront to the union’s constitution and court rulings,” the letter stated.
Judicial Roadblocks
The union highlighted its legal battles to maintain constitutional leadership. After securing victories in both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, union leaders allege continued defiance by Oluomo’s faction.
“This disregard for judicial rulings sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the judiciary and the rule of law,” the letter warned.
Larger Implications for Governance
The NURTW crisis comes as Nigeria grapples with concerns over the politicization of unions and the erosion of democratic principles. Observers warn that such interference risks destabilizing labor organizations and diminishing public trust in government institutions.
Civil society organizations have called on the federal government to ensure neutrality in union affairs. “The NURTW plays a vital role in the transport sector. Any attempt to politicize its leadership will have dire consequences for Nigeria’s economy and democracy,” a labor activist said.
Uncertain Future
As the NURTW awaits Tinubu’s response, the union’s future hangs in the balance. Its leaders fear that without decisive action, the union could face a prolonged period of instability.
“Our hope lies in the President’s intervention to restore the union’s integrity,” Baruwa concluded.
