The leadership dispute within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) escalated on Monday, March 24, 2026, as Tajudeen Baruwa took possession of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, effectively displacing rival faction leader Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo.
Baruwa’s return to the secretariat follows a protracted legal battle and is anchored on two court judgments that affirmed his claim to the union’s presidency, significantly altering the union’s leadership structure.
Addressing journalists shortly after arriving at the premises, Baruwa stated that the move was a lawful execution of court directives rather than a forceful takeover.
Surrounded by supporters drawn from various parts of the country, he emphasised that due process had been followed, including formal notifications to law enforcement authorities.
According to him, the union had earlier informed the Nigerian Police of its intention to reclaim the secretariat, attaching certified copies of the court rulings.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the response from security agencies, which he described as unhelpful, prompting a renewed notice declaring the union’s plan to resume operations at the headquarters.
Baruwa maintained that the action was carried out peacefully and in strict compliance with judicial pronouncements.
He noted that the union had exercised patience for nearly two years while awaiting enforcement of the rulings but ultimately decided to act after continued non-compliance by the opposing faction.
He also alleged that one of his supporters was attacked during the process and is currently receiving medical attention, though he stressed that the situation remained under control.
Despite the tensions, Baruwa reiterated his willingness to pursue reconciliation, insisting that the union remains committed to lawful conduct.
Supporting his position, the union’s General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, said repeated efforts to persuade those occupying the secretariat to vacate had failed.
He added that the presence of the media was intended to ensure transparency and public awareness of the developments.
The crisis stems from a contested leadership transition within the NURTW, with Baruwa opposing the emergence of Akinsanya as president. Judicial interventions have since played a central role in determining the legitimacy of the union’s leadership.
The National Industrial Court had earlier ruled in favour of Baruwa, affirming him as the duly elected president of the union. This decision was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which dismissed an appeal challenging his leadership.
In its judgment delivered in November 2024, the appellate court upheld the lower court’s ruling, describing the appeal as lacking merit. The court also imposed a cost of N100,000 against the appellants, who are aligned with Akinsanya.
The appellate panel, comprising three justices, reinforced the position that Baruwa remains the legitimate head of the union, thereby consolidating his legal standing in the ongoing dispute.
Despite the clear judicial pronouncements, tensions persist within the union, raising concerns about stability and the potential for further conflict if a political or negotiated resolution is not reached.
