The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, on Tuesday returned to the union’s national secretariat in Abuja after a rival faction had earlier taken control of the premises.
Akinsanya was seen in a video shared by TVC on X inspecting parts of the building reportedly affected during the leadership dispute.
The development followed the occupation of the secretariat on Monday by a faction loyal to Tajudeen Baruwa, who claimed his actions were backed by court rulings.
Speaking to journalists after taking over the facility, Baruwa insisted the move was lawful and peaceful.
“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.
Baruwa also revealed that his faction had written to the police and submitted copies of the court judgments in a bid to reclaim the secretariat, expressing frustration over the response from security agencies.
“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.
He further alleged that one of his supporters was injured during the process and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
“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 reaction, Akinsanya described the incident as a “forceful takeover” in a statement posted on his Instagram page, maintaining that the legal battle over the union’s leadership is still ongoing.
He clarified that he was not a party to the court judgment referenced by Baruwa and noted that the ruling has been appealed, with a stay of execution already in place.
“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.
He also urged union members to remain calm and conduct themselves lawfully as the leadership dispute continues.
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