Muslim Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has defied the court ruling that sacked him from office as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.
Until his ascendance to the national presidency, MC Oluomo was the chairperson of the Lagos State Chapter of the NURTW but was elected unopposed as the union’s National President during an election held at its zonal secretariat in Osogbo.
However, a three-member panel of the Appeal Court, comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi nullified MC Oluomo’s presidency and reaffirmed Ibikunle Baruwa as the authentic leader of the transport workers union.
The Appeal Court’s decision upheld the judgment of the National Industrial Court delivered on 11 March, which earlier recognised Mr Baruwa as the rightful president and awarded a sum of N100,000 against MC Oluomo.
The South-west zone of the NURTW also stated that Akinsanya is not a member of the union, and therefore, ineligible to contest or be its president since he quit the union in 2022 and tore his identity unions, following a query by the national office.
Many stakeholders, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, have urged the Federal Government to restore Mr Baruwa as NURTW president.
Falana also urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure Baruwa’s immediate reinstatement.
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo has ignored the court ruling, announcing on his Instagram page that he has resumed his duties and is ready to serve as the NURTW president.
“It’s time for no distraction. Refocused, recharged, ready to rock! I’m back to work, primed to tackle all challenges head-on, crush my goals with precision and passion, make today count with purpose and productivity.” he wrote.
“Opportunities, obstacles, successes, I’m ready! Today’s mindset: focused, driven and unstoppable. Watch me soar, MC Oluomo.”
