The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, on Tuesday regained control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja following a brief occupation by a rival faction.
After taking possession of the secretariat, Akinsanya inspected damaged property and assessed the situation at the facility. The development follows an earlier occupation of the secretariat on Monday by a faction led by Tajudeen Baruwa, who cited court rulings in his favour.
Speaking to journalists after the takeover, Baruwa insisted that his actions were backed by valid court judgments. He emphasized that the faction’s entry into the secretariat was peaceful and in compliance with the court’s directives, not a forceful takeover.
Baruwa said the union had formally notified the police and attached copies of the judgments to facilitate the recovery of the secretariat, but claimed the response was not forthcoming. He noted that after waiting about two years for compliance with the court orders, his faction decided to resume occupancy of the office without resorting to violence.
He also alleged that a member of his faction was attacked during the process, resulting in hospitalization, but maintained that the situation remained under control. Baruwa reiterated his faction’s willingness to reconcile, stressing that the union is a lawful organization and no one is above the law.
In response, Akinsanya described the occupation as a “forceful takeover” and stated that due legal processes were still ongoing. He clarified that he was not a defendant in the judgment cited by Baruwa, noting that the ruling had been appealed and a stay of execution was already in place.
He assured union members that the situation is under the control of security agencies and affirmed that he remains the National President of NURTW. Akinsanya called on members to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding as the dispute continues to unfold.
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