The ongoing leadership dispute within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) continues to intensify, with factional leaders exchanging sharp words over the eligibility of Musiliu Akinsanya, better known as MC Oluomo, to hold office within the union. In a recent statement, NURTW’s National President, Alhaji Tajudeen Salami, addressed the issue directly, asserting that MC Oluomo is ineligible to occupy any official position within the union due to his actions in 2022.
Salami’s statement comes after MC Oluomo, a controversial figure within the union, publicly severed his ties with the NURTW in 2022 by tearing up his union identity card. The action followed a disciplinary query issued to him by the national leadership, leading to his exit from the organization.
“Our Constitution stipulates that a returning member must submit a formal application to the National leadership, which will be considered,” Salami explained. He went on to clarify that even if such an application is accepted, the member in question must spend at least two years away from any official position before being eligible to seek office, starting from the unit chairman level. According to Salami, MC Oluomo has failed to comply with these procedures.
Salami’s remarks are part of a broader defense of the NURTW’s national leadership, which has faced criticism from MC Oluomo’s supporters. He further emphasized that the due process for rejoining the union and seeking a position was clearly outlined in the NURTW’s constitution, and that MC Oluomo’s disregard for these rules disqualifies him from any leadership role within the organization.
The NURTW President also took the opportunity to reaffirm the legitimacy of Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa’s leadership of the union, noting that Baruwa’s tenure had been upheld by the Appeal Court. This legal victory reinforces Baruwa’s position as the legitimate head of the NURTW, a fact that Salami insists must be respected by all members.
In response to ongoing tensions, Salami issued a stern warning to the state and federal authorities, urging them not to condone any form of “gangsterism” within the union. He called for MC Oluomo to be held accountable for his actions and for the government to ensure that the law and order are maintained within the transport sector.
“The NURTW in Osun State remains under the leadership of Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa. The government must not condone gangsterism, and MC Oluomo should be called to order,” Salami concluded. His statement underscores the growing divide between factions of the NURTW and highlights the continuing struggle for control within one of the country’s most influential labor unions.
