Court Affirms Baruwa as NURTW President, Sacks MC Oluomo
In a landmark judgment, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa as the legitimate President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). This decision follows the court's dismissal of an appeal filed by Najeem Usman Yasin, Tajudeen Agbede, and others, which challenged an earlier ruling by the National Industrial Court.
The Appeal Court’s Decision
On November 8, 2024, a three-member panel comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi declared Baruwa as the bona fide and legally elected President of the NURTW. The judgment, which aligned with the Industrial Court’s ruling of March 11, 2024, dismissed the appeal as lacking merit. The court also imposed a cost of N100,000 on the appellants in favor of the respondents.
The court’s enrollment order stated:
“This appeal is devoid of merit and the same is hereby dismissed. I affirm the judgment of the trial court delivered on the 11th day of March, 2024, in respect of Suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023. I award the cost of N100,000 against the appellant and in favor of the respondents.”
Baruwa Speaks OutI
In response to a purported inauguration of Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya (popularly known as MC Oluomo) as President of the union, Baruwa expressed his dismay, describing the move as a blatant disregard for the rule of law. He highlighted that this act directly contravenes the judgments of both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal.
Baruwa stated:
“The purported inauguration is not only laughable but also an affront to the judiciary as it violates the March 11th and November 8th judgments of the National Industrial Court and Court of Appeal which restrained the Alh. Najeem Usman Yasin-led interlopers from interfering in the activities of the union.”
MC Oluomo’s Status in NURTW
Baruwa also emphasized that MC Oluomo ceased to be a member of the NURTW on March 9, 2021, when he publicly renounced his membership by tearing his membership card. He argued that this makes the purported inauguration illegal and invalid.
“It is an indisputable fact that Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, MC Oluomo, has since lost his membership of the NURTW in line with the Constitution of the union,” Baruwa stated.
Call for Law Enforcement Intervention
Baruwa urged the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation to enforce the court judgments and ensure peace and order within the union. He reassured union members of the leadership’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, stating:
“All members of our great union across the country are to remain calm as we explore every legal means towards ejecting the Alh. Najeem Usman Yasin-led interlopers from the NURTW NHQs.”
What This Means for NURTW
This judgment reinforces the importance of following due process in leadership transitions within organizations. It also serves as a reminder that legal judgments must be respected to maintain peace and order.
The NURTW, as Baruwa stated, operates under a constitution that provides clear guidelines for elections. This victory for Baruwa underscores the need for all members to align with the rule of law and avoid actions that could jeopardize the union’s unity.
Keep your fingers crossed 🤞 for more updates as the NURTW leadership works toward resolving this issue and ensuring compliance with the court’s decisions.
