Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) has rejected the recent takeover of the NURTW national secretariat in Abuja by Tajudeen Baruwa, asserting that a stay of execution is in place and that he remains the union’s legitimate National President
The long-running leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) took a dramatic turn on Monday, March 23, 2026, as a faction led by Tajudeen Baruwa moved to reclaim the union’s national secretariat in Abuja. Citing a series of favorable judicial rulings—including a November 2024 Court of Appeal judgment that affirmed his presidency—Baruwa and his supporters took physical control of the headquarters, dislodging the faction loyal to Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo. Baruwa described the move as a “peaceful exercise in compliance with judicial orders,” noting that the union had waited nearly two years for the rival faction to vacate the premises voluntarily.
In a swift rebuttal posted to his Instagram page, MC Oluomo described the development as a “forceful takeover” and insisted that he remains the National President of the union. He argued that he was not a defendant in the specific judgment referenced by Baruwa and revealed that his legal team has already challenged the ruling, securing a stay of execution. “The judgment has been appealed, and a stay of execution has been duly entered,” the statement read. Akinsanya further noted that he has deliberately avoided direct engagement with the Baruwa group to prevent a breach of public peace while the matter remains before the court.
The dispute has created a significant power vacuum at the heart of Nigeria’s transport sector, with both leaders claiming constitutional legitimacy. While Baruwa points to the National Industrial Court ruling (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023) as his mandate, MC Oluomo maintains that his election during the Quadrennial Delegate Conference remains valid under the union’s internal bylaws. As of Tuesday morning, security agencies have reportedly cordoned off sections of the Abuja secretariat to prevent a violent counter-takeover, while commuters and union members across the country remain on edge over potential disruptions to transport services.
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