Days after the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified his presidency, Musiliu ‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya assumed office as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers on Tuesday.

This marks the first time MC Oluomo has publicly announced assuming office since the appellate court’s decision to reaffirm Ibikunle Baruwa as the legitimate NURTW president.

MC Oluomo, who was elected unopposed during an election at the union’s zonal secretariat in Osogbo, had his presidency nullified by a three-member appellate panel. The panel, comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi, upheld the National Industrial Court’s earlier ruling of 11 March, which recognised Baruwa as the rightful president.

The court also awarded N100,000 in costs against MC Oluomo, in favour of the respondents. Following the ruling, human rights lawyer Femi Falana called on the federal government to ensure the immediate reinstatement of Mr Baruwa. Falana urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to enforce Baruwa’s leadership.

Despite these calls, as of press time, the Federal Government has yet to release any statement officially recognising Baruwa as the NURTW president.

Undeterred by the legal setback, MC Oluomo took to Instagram to announce his return, expressing his readiness to lead the union with renewed energy.

“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.

He added, “Opportunities, obstacles, successes, I’m ready! Today’s mindset: focused, driven and unstoppable. Watch me soar, MC Oluomo.”

During his acceptance speech earlier this year as President-elect, MC Oluomo had pledged to promote peace and unity within the union.

MC Oluomo’s son, Idowu Akinsanya (popularly known as King West), celebrated his father’s perceived victory on Instagram. Posting a photo of MC Oluomo alongside President Bola Tinubu, King West captioned the post: “Nah, the country we dey control now, no be only Lagos again.”

This celebratory post drew mixed reactions, with some critics pointing to the unresolved leadership tussle.

Meanwhile, Ibikunle Baruwa, recognised by both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal as the legitimate NURTW president, has not resumed office. His social media platforms have shown no updates regarding the ruling or his return to leadership. Baruwa, who was first elected president in 2019 and re-elected in August 2023, has maintained a low profile since the appellate court’s decision.

As the leadership dispute continues, many observers are watching to see how the Federal Government and union stakeholders will respond to ensure stability within the NURTW. (The PUNCH)

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