The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Friday nullified the election of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The court upheld the re-election of Tajudeen Baruwa as the union’s legitimate president, affirming the March 11, 2024, judgment of the National Industrial Court.
The appellate court’s decision, delivered by Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi, dismissed the appeal filed by MC Oluomo and others, describing it as “devoid of merit.”
The court further imposed a cost of ₦100,000 against the appellants in favor of the respondents.
The appellate court upheld the National Industrial Court’s ruling, which had validated the Quadrennial National Delegates Conference held on August 23, 2023, in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where Baruwa was inaugurated as president for a second term.
The industrial court had declared that Baruwa’s leadership was valid and restrained the union’s former president, Najeem Usman Yasin, from interfering in its day-to-day affairs, limiting him to his role as chairman of the Board of Trustees.
The court also voided the October 25, 2023, delegates’ conference, which had facilitated the emergence of MC Oluomo’s faction.
Justice O. O. Oyewumi of the industrial court described the election overseen by Isa Ore, the acting president at the time, as unconstitutional and lacking a legal basis.
The appellate court criticized the formation of a caretaker committee by the Isa Ore-led faction, noting that the doctrine of necessity cited for its establishment was unjustified as no crisis warranted such action.
Consequently, the court upheld the industrial court’s nullification of the November 9, 2024, election that brought MC Oluomo to power.
MC Oluomo had emerged as the sole candidate in an election held during the union’s Zone 2 Quadrennial Delegate Conference in Osogbo, Osun State.
His unanimous selection was marred by allegations of political favoritism, with critics pointing to his strong ties to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Lagos transport leader has a history of controversy, including accusations of electoral violence and voter intimidation.
During the 2023 general elections, he was caught on video threatening Igbo voters in Lagos, warning them not to support candidates outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite public outrage and condemnation from the police, no punitive action has been taken against him.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
