Days after the Court of Appeal nullified his presidency, Musiliu ‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya has publicly declared himself the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks MC Oluomo’s first public move since the appellate court reaffirmed Ibikunle Baruwa as the legitimate president of the union.
MC Oluomo, who was elected unopposed earlier this year at the union’s zonal secretariat in Osogbo, had his presidency nullified by a three-member Court of Appeal panel comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi. The panel upheld the National Industrial Court’s March 11 ruling, which recognised Baruwa as the rightful president and awarded N100,000 in costs against MC Oluomo.
Following the judgment, human rights lawyer Femi Falana urged the Federal Government to enforce the ruling. In a statement, Falana called on the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure Baruwa’s reinstatement. However, as of press time, the Federal Government has yet to issue an official statement recognising Baruwa’s leadership.
Despite the legal setback, MC Oluomo took to Instagram to announce his return, stating, *“It’s time for no distraction. Refocused, recharged, ready to rock! I’m back to work, primed to tackle all challenges head-on, crush my goals with precision and passion.”*
MC Oluomo’s son, Idowu Akinsanya, known as King West, also celebrated the announcement on Instagram, sharing a photo of MC Oluomo alongside President Bola Tinubu. His caption, *“Nah, the country we dey control now, no be only Lagos again,”* sparked mixed reactions, with critics pointing to the unresolved leadership tussle.
Meanwhile, Ibikunle Baruwa, whose presidency has been upheld by the courts, has not resumed office or issued public statements regarding the ruling. Baruwa, first elected in 2019 and re-elected in August 2023, has maintained a low profile, leaving many observers questioning the next steps in resolving the leadership crisis.
As the dispute continues, stakeholders and union members are awaiting the Federal Government’s intervention to restore order within the NURTW.
