MC Oluomo reclaims NURTW secretariat, evaluates damage

The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, on Tuesday regained control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, a day after it was occupied by a rival faction.

Akinsanya visited the premises—captured in a video posted by TVC on X—to inspect property reportedly damaged during the takeover by a group led by Tajudeen Baruwa. Baruwa’s faction had moved into the secretariat on Monday, claiming court rulings empowered him to resume leadership of the union.

Addressing journalists during the takeover, Baruwa insisted his actions were lawful and backed by valid judgments.

“Their body language has not been encouraging despite repeated assurances that we are not here to cause trouble. We are a law-abiding union, and our mission is simply to reclaim what the court has declared ours,” he said.

He added that the move was peaceful and based strictly on court orders, noting that the police had been formally notified and provided with copies of the judgments. Baruwa also claimed a member of his group was attacked and hospitalised during the process but said the situation remained under control.

However, Akinsanya disputed Baruwa’s claims in a statement posted on Instagram, describing the incident as a “forceful takeover.” He maintained that due legal processes were still ongoing and that the judgment cited by Baruwa neither listed him as a defendant nor had it taken effect, saying a stay of execution was already in place.

“The National President wishes to inform members and the 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,” the statement said.

Akinsanya added that security agencies were handling the situation and reaffirmed his position as the legitimate National President of the NURTW.

He urged members to remain calm and law-abiding as the leadership dispute continues to play out.