NURTW power struggle: Baruwa faction takes over headquarters, sacks MC Oluomo

The leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) escalated on Monday as a faction loyal to Tajudeen Baruwa forcefully took control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja.

The early morning operation reportedly saw members of the Baruwa-led faction storm the headquarters, effectively asserting control amid a prolonged internal power struggle that has divided the union since 2024.

The crisis stems from a disputed leadership structure within the NURTW, involving Baruwa and Ayinde Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo.

In November 2024, members of the union elected MC Oluomo as National President, a move that further deepened divisions within the organisation.

The development was subsequently challenged in court, leading to a protracted legal battle over the legitimacy of the union’s leadership.

Following litigation, the court ruled in favour of Baruwa, effectively recognising his claim in the leadership dispute. However, despite the judicial pronouncement, MC Oluomo has continued to function as National President, creating a situation of parallel authority within the union.

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Monday’s takeover of the national secretariat is widely seen as a decisive move by the Baruwa faction to enforce the court ruling and consolidate control over the union’s administrative structure.

The development has heightened tensions among members, raising concerns about possible clashes between loyalists of both factions.

Observers note that the NURTW, a powerful body within Nigeria’s transport sector with significant grassroots influence, could face operational disruptions if the leadership crisis remains unresolved.

Stakeholders have called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities and reconciliation among aggrieved parties to prevent further escalation.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the MC Oluomo faction regarding the latest takeover, leaving uncertainty over the next phase of the leadership dispute.