NURTW Leadership Crisis: MC Oluomo Assumes Presidency Amid Court Ruling Supporting Baruwa
Musiliu ‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya has assumed the role of National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following the Court of Appeal in Abuja’s controversial ruling that nullified his presidency days earlier. This announcement marks MC Oluomo’s first public statement since the appellate court upheld the legitimacy of Ibikunle Baruwa as NURTW President.
MC Oluomo was elected unopposed during a recent election held at the union’s zonal headquarters in Osogbo. However, a three-member appellate panel consisting of Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi invalidated his presidency, affirming a previous ruling by the National Industrial Court on March 11 that recognized Baruwa as the rightful leader of the union. Additionally, the court ordered MC Oluomo to pay N100,000 in costs to the respondents involved in the case.
In light of the court’s decision, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged the federal government to reinstated Baruwa immediately. Falana requested actions from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, along with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to enforce Baruwa’s recognized position.
Despite calls for action, there has been no formal statement from the Federal Government recognizing Baruwa’s leadership as of this report. Undeterred, MC Oluomo took to Instagram to share his determination to lead the union, proclaiming his readiness to face challenges with renewed vigor.
Expressing a focused mindset, he stated, “It’s time for no distraction. Refocused, recharged, ready to rock! I’m back to work, primed to tackle all challenges head-on, crush my goals with precision and passion, make today count with purpose and productivity.” He further asserted, “Opportunities, obstacles, successes, I’m ready! Today’s mindset: focused, driven, and unstoppable. Watch me soar, MC Oluomo.”
Earlier this year, when he was first elected as President-elect, MC Oluomo had vowed to foster peace and unity within the NURTW. Celebrating his father’s perceived triumph, MC Oluomo’s son, Idowu Akinsanya, also known as King West, shared a photo of MC Oluomo alongside President Bola Tinubu on Instagram, captioning it: “Nah, the country we dey control now, no be only Lagos again.” This post sparked mixed reactions, especially from critics questioning the unresolved leadership conflict.
Conversely, Ibikunle Baruwa, recognized by both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal as NURTW’s legitimate president, has yet to take office. He has remained silent on social media, providing no updates regarding the court’s ruling or his anticipated reinstatement. Initially elected in 2019 and subsequently re-elected in August 2023, Baruwa has kept a low profile since the appellate ruling.
As the leadership dispute unfolds, stakeholders and observers alike are keenly monitoring the situation, awaiting the Federal Government’s response to restore stability within the NURTW.
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