By Our Correspondent

National News – Tajudeen Baruwa has taken control of the national secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja, effectively unseating Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the union’s president.

The dramatic development occurred on Monday, March 23, 2026, following a series of court rulings that recognised Baruwa as the legitimate leader of the transport workers’ union.

Baruwa arrived at the secretariat alongside supporters from different parts of Nigeria and addressed journalists after reclaiming the premises.

According to him, the takeover was carried out peacefully and in compliance with court judgments delivered in his favour.

He explained that both a lower court and the appellate court had affirmed his position as the duly elected president of the union.

The leadership dispute within the NURTW has been ongoing for nearly two years, with rival factions laying claim to the union’s leadership.

Baruwa stated that after securing legal victories, the union formally notified the Nigeria Police Force and submitted certified copies of the judgments to facilitate the recovery of its office.

However, he claimed the responses from authorities were not encouraging, prompting the union to issue another notice before eventually resuming operations at the secretariat.

Baruwa insisted the move was not an act of force but a lawful execution of the court’s directive.

He added that members waited patiently for about two years for the rulings to be respected before deciding to return to the office.

Despite the peaceful approach, Baruwa alleged that one of his supporters was attacked during the process and was later taken to hospital for treatment.

He nevertheless maintained that the situation remained under control and called for reconciliation within the union.

Court documents showed that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria had earlier affirmed Baruwa’s election as NURTW president.

The decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal Nigeria in a judgment delivered on November 8, 2024, which dismissed an appeal filed by individuals believed to be loyal to Akinsanya.

With the appellate court confirming the earlier judgment, Baruwa says the union has now fully reclaimed its national secretariat and intends to resume official activities immediately.