Falana Urges FG to Restore Baruwa as NURTW President Amid MC Oluomo Leadership Dispute

Human Rights Lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Nigerian federal government to restore Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa as the president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). His appeal follows the controversial election of Alhaji Musliu Akinsaya (MC Oluomo) as the NURTW’s National President on November 9, 2024, by the union’s Southwest Zone.

MC Oluomo’s election has sparked significant confusion within the union, with many members condemning his inauguration. Two days ago, NURTW leadership under Comrade Baruwa declared MC Oluomo’s inauguration as illegal, null, and void, citing judgments from the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal that had earlier recognized Baruwa as the legitimate president.

In his statement to Vanguard, Falana urged the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure Baruwa’s restoration to his position as NURTW president without delay. He highlighted the violent events of August 28, 2023, when armed thugs attacked the NURTW National Secretariat in Abuja, killing one security guard and seizing control of the Secretariat. During the attack, Comrade Baruwa and members of his executive were arrested and charged with murder, though the charges were eventually withdrawn after the illegal takeover.

Falana went on to explain that Baruwa had sought legal redress through the National Industrial Court, which, on March 11, 2024, confirmed Baruwa and his executive as the legitimate leadership of the union. Despite the ruling, Baruwa’s opponents appealed the judgment, but on November 8, 2024, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, affirming the earlier ruling that Baruwa remains the NURTW president.

Falana now calls for the Attorney-General and Inspector-General of Police to enforce the court judgments and ensure Baruwa’s reinstatement to his rightful office in accordance with the court’s decisions.