The leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) escalated on Tuesday as its National President, Musiliu Akinsanya, reclaimed control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja following a brief occupation by a rival faction.
Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, visited the secretariat shortly after regaining access to assess the extent of damage allegedly inflicted during the takeover.
The development came barely 24 hours after a faction led by Tajudeen Baruwa stormed the facility, citing court judgments it claimed validated its authority over the union.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Baruwa defended the move, insisting it was a lawful enforcement of court orders rather than a hostile takeover.
“Our actions are backed by valid court rulings. We are not here to cause trouble but to reclaim what rightfully belongs to us,” he said, stressing that the process was peaceful.
Baruwa further revealed that his group had formally notified security agencies, submitting copies of the judgments to support their claim.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the response from law enforcement authorities.
He added that the faction had waited nearly two years for compliance with the rulings before deciding to occupy the office.
Despite the tension, Baruwa alleged that one of his members was attacked during the process and is currently receiving medical treatment, though he maintained that the situation remained under control and open to reconciliation.
In a swift reaction, Akinsanya described the incident as a “forceful takeover,” maintaining that the legal battle over the union’s leadership is still ongoing.
In a statement, he clarified that he was not a party to the judgment being cited by Baruwa and disclosed that an appeal had already been filed, accompanied by a stay of execution.
“The judgment has been appealed, and a stay of execution is in place. I have not engaged with Mr Baruwa or any individual, as the matter remains before the court,” he stated.
Akinsanya reaffirmed his position as the legitimate National President of the union and urged members to remain calm and law-abiding as the dispute continues.
Security agencies are said to be monitoring the situation to prevent any breakdown of law and order as the leadership tussle intensifies.
 regains control of the union’s Abuja secretariat amid a heated leadership tussle with Tajudeen Baruwa over court rulings and legitimacy claims.%%primary_category%% %%sitename%% %%title%% %%sep%%){kind=link}