In a bold and defiant declaration that has sent ripples across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has firmly asserted that he remains the undisputed National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). This latest statement comes amid escalating tension at the union’s national headquarters in Abuja, following reports that his rival, Tajudeen Baruwa, had attempted to seize control of the secretariat by citing favourable court judgments.
The development has once again thrust the long-running leadership crisis within the influential transport union into the national spotlight. The NURTW, which controls a vast network of commercial motor parks across the country, wields significant economic and political influence, especially in major cities like Lagos, where MC Oluomo has historically maintained a strong base. Any disruption in the union’s leadership often raises concerns about potential breakdown of order in motor parks, possible revenue losses for state governments, and ripple effects on the daily commute of millions of Nigerians who rely on commercial vehicles for transportation.
MC Oluomo’s reaction was swift and unequivocal. In a detailed statement posted on his verified Instagram page on Monday, the embattled union leader described Baruwa’s move as a “forceful takeover” that was both unlawful and premature. He warned that such actions could destabilize the union if not properly addressed through due legal process.
According to MC Oluomo, the court rulings being relied upon by Tajudeen Baruwa do not directly involve him as a defendant, and therefore cannot be legitimately used to oust him from office. He emphasized that the legal battle over the union’s leadership is far from over, revealing that the purported judgment has already been appealed, with a stay of execution duly entered by the court. This, he argued, renders any attempt to enforce the judgment at this stage illegal and contemptuous of the judicial process.
“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 in part. “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.”
This latest twist in the NURTW leadership saga underscores the complexity and high stakes involved in the dispute. For several years, the union has been plagued by internal power struggles, with different factions laying claim to the national presidency. MC Oluomo, who rose to prominence through his grassroots influence in Lagos motor parks, has been at the centre of these controversies. His supporters view him as a charismatic and effective leader who has protected the interests of ordinary road transport workers, while critics often accuse him of authoritarian tendencies and alleged involvement in political thuggery—allegations he has consistently denied.
Tajudeen Baruwa, on the other hand, has positioned himself as a reformer seeking to bring transparency and accountability to the union’s operations. His recent attempt to take over the national secretariat was reportedly backed by what he described as valid court orders affirming his legitimacy as the elected national leader. However, MC Oluomo has dismissed these claims outright, insisting that the matter remains sub judice and should not be resolved through self-help or forceful means.
In his statement, MC Oluomo appealed directly to the rank-and-file members of the NURTW across the country to maintain calm and refrain from any actions that could lead to violence or chaos in motor parks nationwide. He assured them that security agencies are already on high alert and are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any breakdown of law and order. This call for restraint is particularly significant given the union’s history of violent clashes whenever leadership disputes erupt. Past crises have often resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and temporary paralysis of commercial activities in major transport hubs.
The statement further highlighted MC Oluomo’s confidence in the judicial system, urging all parties to allow the courts to conclude the matter without interference. By emphasizing that he was never a direct party to the specific judgment cited by Baruwa, the NURTW president is strategically framing the takeover attempt as procedurally flawed and lacking legal foundation. Legal experts following the case have noted that the presence of an appealed judgment and a stay of execution could indeed complicate Baruwa’s position, potentially exposing any premature actions to legal sanctions for contempt of court.
Beyond the immediate leadership contest, this crisis has broader implications for Nigeria’s transport industry. The NURTW plays a critical role in regulating commercial vehicles, collecting levies, and maintaining order in motor parks. A prolonged leadership vacuum or parallel structures could disrupt these functions, leading to increased touting activities, arbitrary fare hikes, and heightened insecurity for both drivers and passengers. State governments, particularly in the South-West where the union is strongest, are watching developments closely, as any instability could affect internally generated revenue and public transportation efficiency.
MC Oluomo’s insistence on due process also carries political undertones. The union has historically served as a formidable mobilization machinery during elections, with its leaders often aligning with major political parties. Any resolution of the current dispute could therefore influence power dynamics ahead of future electoral cycles, including the 2027 general elections. Observers believe that the outcome of the NURTW leadership battle may have far-reaching consequences not just for transport workers but also for the political landscape in Lagos and other key states.
As the situation continues to unfold, MC Oluomo has positioned himself as the legitimate custodian of the union’s mandate, urging loyalty from members while warning against any form of self-help. His message of calm and reliance on security agencies is clearly aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing the kind of violent confrontations that have marred previous NURTW crises.
For Tajudeen Baruwa and his faction, the coming days will be decisive. If they proceed with the takeover despite the appeal and stay of execution, they risk being accused of undermining the rule of law. Conversely, if the courts eventually rule in their favour after full hearing, MC Oluomo’s current stance could be seen as a temporary holdout rather than a permanent victory.
The general public and union members are now caught in the middle of this high-stakes power tussle. Many ordinary road transport workers simply desire stability, transparent leadership, and improved welfare packages. They hope that whichever faction eventually prevails will prioritize the core objectives of the union—protecting the rights of drivers, regulating park operations, and fostering better working conditions—rather than engaging in endless litigation and supremacy battles.
In the meantime, MC Oluomo’s firm declaration has bought him some breathing space, at least in the court of public opinion among his core supporters. By framing the issue as an ongoing legal process under the watchful eyes of security agencies, he has effectively shifted the narrative from a simple power grab to a matter of respecting judicial authority and due process.
As Nigeria’s transport sector braces for potential disruptions, all eyes remain on the courts, the security agencies, and the two rival leaders. The resolution of this crisis will not only determine who controls the powerful NURTW machinery but will also test the strength of Nigeria’s institutions in managing internal disputes within critical labour unions. Whether MC Oluomo’s position holds or Baruwa’s takeover gains traction, the ultimate winners must be the ordinary members whose daily livelihoods depend on a stable and functional union.
The coming weeks promise to be eventful as fresh court hearings are expected and security presence at the national secretariat is likely to intensify. For now, MC Oluomo’s message is clear: he is still in charge, the matter is in court, and calm must prevail.
