Baruwa Faction Seizes NURTW Secretariat, Escalating Leadership Crisis with MC Oluomo

A faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) led by Tajudeen Baruwa has taken control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, intensifying the long-running leadership crisis within the organisation.

The takeover reportedly took place early Monday when members of the Baruwa-led group stormed the union’s headquarters and assumed control of the facility.

The development marks a new phase in the power struggle between rival factions within the union, which has been ongoing since 2024. The dispute pits Baruwa against Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, who also claims leadership of the union.

In November 2024, members of the NURTW elected MC Oluomo as national president. However, the legitimacy of that election was challenged in court, leading to a legal battle between both factions.

A court ruling later favoured Baruwa, recognising his leadership position in the dispute. Despite this judgment, MC Oluomo has continued to operate as the union’s president, further deepening the division.

The latest move by the Baruwa faction to take over the national secretariat signals a renewed struggle for control of the powerful transport union, which plays a significant role in Nigeria’s transport sector.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the opposing faction regarding the takeover.

The situation is expected to heighten tensions within the union as both sides continue to assert authority amid unresolved legal and organisational disputes.