BREAKING: Appeal Court Declares MC Oluomo’s NURTW Presidency Null, Void, Affirms Baruwa President

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the election of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The court affirmed Tajudeen Baruwa as the legitimate and re-elected president of the union.  

The decision, delivered on November 8, 2024, by Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi, upheld an earlier ruling by the National Industrial Court on March 11, 2024. The court dismissed the appeal filed by MC Oluomo’s supporters and declared that the election that brought him to power lacked legitimacy.  

The court ruled that the national delegates’ conference held on October 25, 2023, which led to the emergence of MC Oluomo as Acting President, was unconstitutional and declared it null and void. It also upheld the validity of the Quadrennial National Delegates Conference held in August 2023 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where Tajudeen Baruwa was re-elected as president.  

In its judgment, the court stated, “This appeal is devoid of merit and is hereby dismissed. The ruling of the National Industrial Court delivered on March 11, 2024, is affirmed.” The court further awarded a cost of ₦100,000 against the appellants.  

MC Oluomo, a close ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had been elected unopposed during the Zone 2 Council’s Quadrennial Delegate Conference held in Osogbo, Osun State. However, his presidency faced legal challenges, as it was overseen by Aliyu Issa-Ore, whose tenure as acting president had been invalidated by the National Industrial Court.  

MC Oluomo’s emergence had drawn criticism, with many linking his rise to his political connections and controversial history. In March 2023, he was widely condemned for a viral video in which he allegedly threatened Igbo voters in Lagos during the governorship election. Despite public outrage and calls for accountability, no punitive action was taken against him.  

Tajudeen Baruwa’s re-election marks a significant victory for the faction of the NURTW loyal to his leadership. The court validated the legitimacy of the May 24, 2023, delegates’ conference that facilitated his re-election, reinforcing the union’s leadership structure.  

This ruling effectively nullifies any claim by MC Oluomo to the presidency of the NURTW, reaffirming Baruwa’s position as the rightful leader.  

The verdict is expected to stabilize the leadership crisis that has plagued the NURTW in recent years. Legal experts and union stakeholders have called on all parties to respect the court’s judgment and work towards unity within the union.  

As the NURTW looks to move forward, the focus will likely shift toward resolving internal disputes and ensuring effective representation for its members nationwide.

Musiliu Akinsanya, MC Oluomo