MC Oluomo regains control of NURTW secretariat

The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, on Tuesday returned to the union’s national secretariat in Abuja after control of the premises had earlier shifted to a rival faction.

Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, was seen in a video shared by TVC on X inspecting parts of the building reportedly affected during the dispute over leadership of the union.

The visit followed the occupation of the secretariat on Monday by a faction loyal to Tajudeen Baruwa, who said his group acted based on court rulings he claimed supported his position.

Addressing journalists after his faction took possession of the facility, Baruwa maintained that the move was carried out in line with legal directives.

“Their body language has not been encouraging despite repeated assurance that we are not going back to foment any trouble, as we are a law-abiding union whose only mission is to get back what belongs to us,” he said.

“But today, as you can see, we are taking over in a peaceful manner, and it is not a forceful takeover but just carrying out the court’s orders,” he added.

Baruwa further stated that his group had formally written to the police and attached copies of the relevant court judgments in a bid to recover the secretariat, though he expressed dissatisfaction with the response from security authorities.

“Again, please be aware that our coming here after two years is to occupy our office, having obtained judgments at both the lower court and the Appeal Court, but they refused to obey court orders after waiting for about two years. We decided to resume at the office today without causing any violence, and here we are,” he said.

He also alleged that one of his supporters sustained injuries during the process and was hospitalised.

“Although the other faction attacked one of our members, who is now in the hospital, the situation is under control. We are still open to reconciliation as we are a lawful organisation and not a troublemaker. No one is above the law,” Baruwa stated.

In response, Akinsanya, in a statement posted on his Instagram page on Monday, described the development as a “forceful takeover,” stressing that legal proceedings regarding the dispute were still ongoing.

He clarified that he was not listed as a defendant in the court judgment cited by Baruwa and noted that the ruling had been challenged, with a stay of execution already secured.

“The National President wishes to inform members of the union and the general public that he was not a defendant in the purported judgment.

“The judgment has been appealed, and a stay of execution has been duly entered. He has not engaged with Mr Baruwa or any individual, aware that cases are pending in court.

“The situation is under the control of security agencies. Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya remains the National President of NURTW,” the statement read.

He also called on union members to remain calm and continue to act within the law as the leadership tussle unfolds.