VIDEO: MC Oluomo regains control of NURTW secretariat in Abuja

The National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, on Tuesday regained control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja after a rival faction briefly took over the facility.

MC Oluomo returned to the secretariat to inspect damaged property following the takeover, according to a video shared by TVC on X.

The development followed an earlier move on Monday by a faction led by Tajudeen Baruwa, which occupied the secretariat, claiming that court rulings supported its action.

Baruwa, who addressed journalists after the occupation, maintained that his faction acted within the law and in line with court decisions.

“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.

He said the police had been formally notified and provided with copies of the judgments but alleged that the response was not encouraging.

“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,” he said.

Baruwa also alleged that one of his members was attacked during the process.

“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,” Baruwa stated.

Reacting on Monday via his Instagram page, MC Oluomo described the development as a “forceful takeover” and insisted that legal proceedings were still ongoing.

He said he was not a defendant in the judgment cited by Baruwa and disclosed that the ruling had been appealed, with a stay of execution already secured.

“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.

“The situation is under the control of security agencies. Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya remains the National President of NURTW,” the statement read.

Akinsanya urged union members to remain calm and law-abiding as the leadership dispute continues.

Tribune Online reports that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday arrested Baruwa and six others following the incident.