The Court of Appeal has invalidated the emergence of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
The court also affirmed Tajudeen Baruwa as the duly re-elected president of the union.
MC Oluomo, an ally of President Bola Tinubu, had been elected last week during the Southwest Zone’s Quadrennial Delegate Conference held at the NURTW Zonal Secretariat in Osogbo, Osun State. Following his election, he reportedly resumed office at the union’s national secretariat in Abuja.
However, documents obtained on Friday reveal that the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment delivered on November 8, 2024, upheld the March 11, 2024, ruling of the National Industrial Court in Abuja, which confirmed Baruwa’s re-election as National President.
Details of the Appeal Court Ruling
The judgment was delivered by a three-member panel comprising Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, Justice Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Justice Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi. In the appeal, numbered CA/ABJ/CV/293/2024, seven appellants, including Najeem Usman Yasin, Tajudeen Badru Agbede, and Aliyu Isa Ore, challenged Baruwa’s leadership.
The court dismissed their appeal and awarded a cost of ₦100,000 against them. According to the enrolled order signed by Deputy Chief Registrar Judith M. Jabbe and read by Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, the court stated, “This Appeal is devoid of merit and the same is hereby dismissed.”
The appellants’ counsel, led by O. I. Olorundare (SAN), had presented arguments, while Baruwa’s legal team, led by Tolu Babaleye, defended his legitimacy as the union’s president.
Legal History
The National Industrial Court had earlier ruled in favor of Baruwa in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023, which was delivered by Justice O. O. Oyewumi on March 11, 2024. The Court of Appeal’s decision now reaffirms that ruling.
Baruwa’s Opposition to MC Oluomo’s Election
Baruwa has consistently opposed MC Oluomo’s claim to the presidency of the NURTW. In a statement issued by his lawyer, Mr. Tolu Babaleye, Baruwa criticized MC Oluomo’s inauguration, stating that it disregarded existing court rulings from both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, which affirmed his leadership.
Baruwa maintains that the election and subsequent inauguration of MC Oluomo as National President lack legal standing, as the courts have repeatedly validated his own position as the legitimate leader of the NURTW.
