Days after the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified his presidency, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has assumed office as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
This development comes despite the court reaffirming Ibikunle Baruwa as the union’s legitimate president.
READ ALSO: Appeal Court sacks MC Oluomo as NURTW president
MC Oluomo, who had been elected unopposed at the NURTW zonal secretariat in Osogbo, was previously unseated by a ruling from the National Industrial Court on March 11. The Court of Appeal upheld this decision last week, with Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi ruling in favor of Baruwa and awarding N100,000 in costs against MC Oluomo.
Following the ruling, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana called on the federal government to enforce the court’s decision. He urged the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure Baruwa’s reinstatement. However, the government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Despite the legal setback, MC Oluomo announced his return to office through Instagram, stating, “It’s time for no distraction. Refocused, recharged, ready to rock! I’m back to work, primed to tackle all challenges head-on, crush my goals with precision and passion.” He declared himself “focused, driven, and unstoppable” and urged followers to watch his leadership “soar.”
MC Oluomo’s son, Idowu Akinsanya (King West), also celebrated his father’s return. Sharing a photo of MC Oluomo with President Bola Tinubu, King West captioned it: “Nah, the country we dey control now, no be only Lagos again.” This celebratory tone sparked mixed reactions, with critics highlighting the unresolved leadership conflict.
Meanwhile, Ibikunle Baruwa, officially recognized as NURTW president by both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, has yet to resume office. Baruwa, who first became president in 2019 and was re-elected in August 2023, has maintained silence on social media regarding the ruling.
Observers now await the federal government’s stance on the leadership crisis, which has raised questions about stability within the NURTW and its implications for the transport sector.
