A major twist has emerged in the leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), as Tajudeen Baruwa has officially taken over the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, displacing Musiliu Akinsanya.
Baruwa’s move comes on the heels of multiple court rulings affirming him as the legitimate president of the union, bringing a new dimension to the prolonged power struggle within the transport body.
Addressing journalists shortly after the takeover, Baruwa—surrounded by supporters from across the country—insisted the action was peaceful and strictly in compliance with judicial pronouncements.
“Today, as you can see, we are taking over in a peaceful manner. This is not a forceful takeover but simply the enforcement of court orders,” he stated.
He revealed that the union had earlier notified the Nigeria Police Force of its intention to reclaim the secretariat, attaching copies of the court judgments to support its position. However, he expressed disappointment over what he described as an unencouraging response from the police.
“Their body language has not been encouraging despite our assurances that we are law-abiding and not out to cause trouble,” Baruwa added.
According to him, the union exercised restraint for nearly two years after securing favourable judgments at both the lower court and the Court of Appeal before finally moving to occupy the office.
“Our coming here after two years is simply to reclaim what rightfully belongs to us. Despite clear court orders, they refused to vacate. Today, we resumed without violence,” he said.
Baruwa also disclosed that tensions briefly flared during the process, with one of his supporters reportedly attacked and hospitalised, though he maintained that the situation remained under control.
Despite the takeover, he extended an olive branch to the opposing faction, emphasizing the union’s willingness to embrace reconciliation.
“We are still open to peace. No one is above the law,” he said.
Backing his claims, NURTW General Secretary Suleiman Musa said the occupation of the secretariat by the opposing faction had persisted despite repeated appeals and legal directives.
“We formally informed the police of our return based on court orders. We want the public to witness what is happening,” Musa noted.
The development is anchored on two key judicial decisions. The National Industrial Court had earlier affirmed Baruwa as the duly elected president of the union, a position later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja in November 2024.
The appellate court dismissed an appeal filed by loyalists of MC Oluomo as lacking merit, effectively reinforcing Baruwa’s leadership and bringing a legal conclusion to the long-running dispute that has unsettled the union’s national structure.
With the secretariat now under his control, Baruwa’s emergence signals a decisive shift in the leadership battle within the NURTW, though observers say the path to lasting peace within the union may still require dialogue and reconciliation.
