The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, on Tuesday took possession of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja following an earlier takeover by a rival faction.
A video shared by TVC on showed Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, visiting the secretariat to inspect damaged property after regaining control of the facility.
The development came hours after a faction of the union led by Tajudeen Baruwa occupied the secretariat on Monday, claiming that court rulings supported the move.
Addressing journalists after the takeover, Baruwa insisted that the action was carried out in line with valid court judgments.
“Their body language has not been encouraging despite repeated assurance that we are not going back to foment any trouble, as we are a law-abiding union whose only mission is to get back what belongs to us,” he said.
“But today, as you can see, we are taking over in a peaceful manner, and it is not a forceful takeover but just carrying out the court’s orders,” he added.
Baruwa said the union had formally notified the police of the planned action, attaching copies of the judgments to support their claim.
He stated, “Again, please be aware that our coming here after two years is to occupy our office, having obtained judgments at both the lower court and the Appeal Court, but they refused to obey court orders after waiting for about two years.
“We decided to resume at the office today without causing any violence, and here we are.”
Baruwa also alleged that a member of his faction was attacked during the incident.
“Although the other faction attacked one of our members, who is now in the hospital, the situation is under control. We are still open to reconciliation as we are a lawful organisation and not a troublemaker. No one is above the law,” he stated.
MC Oluomo Rejects Rival Faction’s Claim
Reacting to the development, Akinsanya described the incident as a “forceful takeover,” maintaining that legal proceedings over the matter were still ongoing.
In a statement posted on his Instagram page on Monday, he said he was not a defendant in the judgment relied upon by Baruwa.
The statement read, “The National President wishes to inform members of the union and the general public that he was not a defendant in the purported judgment.
“The judgment has been appealed, and a stay of execution has been duly entered. He has not engaged with Mr Baruwa or any individual, aware that cases are pending in court.”
Akinsanya added that the situation remained under the control of security agencies and reaffirmed his position as the union’s national president.
“The situation is under the control of security agencies. Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya remains the National President of NURTW,” the statement said.
He also urged members of the union to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding as the dispute continues.
