Tajudeen Baruwa has taken control of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) national secretariat in Abuja, effectively displacing Musiliu Akinsanya amid an ongoing leadership crisis.
Baruwa said the move was carried out peacefully and in line with court rulings that recognised him as the union’s legitimate president. He explained that the union had waited for about two years after securing favourable judgments from both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal before enforcing the decision.
He noted that the Nigeria Police Force had been formally notified ahead of the takeover, although he expressed disappointment over what he described as an unhelpful response from the authorities.
While the process was largely calm, Baruwa alleged that a member of his group was attacked by the opposing faction. Despite this, he maintained that the union remained committed to peace and open to reconciliation.
Supporting his position, the union’s General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, said those previously occupying the secretariat had refused to vacate despite multiple appeals and clear court orders.
The takeover follows judicial decisions affirming Baruwa’s leadership and dismissing challenges from supporters of MC Oluomo, bringing a new phase to the prolonged dispute within the union.
