MC Oluomo reclaims NURTW secretariat after ‘forceful takeover’

MC Oluomo reclaims NURTW secretariat after ‘forceful takeover’

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 it was earlier occupied by a rival group.

A video shared by TVC News on X showed Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, visiting the premises to evaluate the extent of damage following the recovery of the facility.

The incident followed the occupation of the secretariat on Monday by a faction led by Tajudeen Baruwa, who claimed his actions were supported by court rulings.

Addressing journalists shortly after his group took over the building, Baruwa maintained that their move was lawful and based on judicial 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.

He explained that the police had been formally informed of their intention, with copies of the court judgments submitted, but alleged that authorities did not respond positively.

“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.

Baruwa further claimed that one of his supporters was attacked during the process.

“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 shared on Instagram on Monday, described the development as a “forceful takeover” and insisted that the legal process surrounding the matter was still ongoing.

He noted that he was not a party to the judgment cited by Baruwa and revealed that the ruling had already been challenged in court, with a stay of execution 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.

Akinsanya also appealed to union members to maintain peace and remain law-abiding while the leadership dispute continues.