ABUJA, Nigeria (ChatnewsTV) — The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court has removed Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, from his position as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), affirming Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa as the legitimate leader of the union.
In a ruling handed down Friday by a three-member panel, Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi upheld the March 11, 2024, decision of the National Industrial Court. The original ruling had recognized Baruwa as the lawful President of NURTW in the case identified as Suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023.
The Appeal Court dismissed the challenge filed by Najeem Usman Yasin, Tajudeen Agbede, and several other union members, who had contested Baruwa’s leadership. The panel ruled that the appeal lacked merit, and awarded N100,000 in costs to Baruwa and his supporters.
Justice Barka, delivering the lead judgment in the case, confirmed that Baruwa is the “legally elected President of NURTW,” solidifying his leadership amid a turbulent period for the influential transport union.
Baruwa, in response to the court’s decision, criticized MC Oluomo’s recent election and swearing-in as a “blatant disregard and disrespect for the rule of law.” During a press conference held in Abuja, he described MC Oluomo’s actions as an affront to the judiciary, insisting that the court’s verdict should be respected.
“The judgment is a clear and unequivocal statement that the rule of law must prevail,” Baruwa stated, underscoring his intention to maintain order and legitimacy within the union.