The Court of Appeal has nullified the appointment of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
This decision affirms an earlier ruling by the National Industrial Court, which had recognized Tajudeen Baruwa as the rightful leader of the union.
MC Oluomo had recently been elected by the Southwest Zone of the NURTW during the Quadrennial Delegate Conference held in Osogbo, Osun State. Following the election, he assumed office at the union’s headquarters in Abuja.
However, a three-member panel of appellate court judges dismissed the appeal filed by MC Oluomo’s faction, thereby upholding Baruwa’s position as the union’s president. The court also imposed a fine of ₦100,000 on the appellants.
The judgment effectively solidifies Baruwa’s leadership while nullifying recent efforts to unseat him.
The court’s ruling stated:
“This is an appeal against the judgment/decision of the National Industrial Court Sitting in Abuja, in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023 delivered on the 11th March, 2024, by Justice O. O. Oyewumi.
“Upon reading the Record of Appeal compiled and transmitted before this court, together with the respective briefs of argument;
“And after hearing O. I. Olorundare, SAN, with F.T. Sotikare, Esq, Jimoh Balogun, Esq, O. D. Emole, Esq, and I. Yunanah, Esq for the appellants;
“Tolu Babaleye, Esq, with Adeniyi Adejoke, Esq, Maku Oluwatoyin, Esq, and B. T. Ataine, Esq for the respondents, it is hereby ordered that:
“This appeal is devoid of merit and the same is hereby dismissed.”
With this judgment, Tajudeen Baruwa remains the recognized National President of the NURTW.