- Barrister Tolu Babaleye, counsel to court-recognized NURTW President Ibikunle Baruwa, has accused Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) of illegally occupying the union’s national headquarters despite a standing court ruling.
- The legal team claims MC Oluomo openly boasted during a meeting with the Minister of Labour that he would only vacate his office if personally instructed by President Bola Tinubu.
- Armed soldiers and police officers reportedly backed MC Oluomo’s inspection and takeover of the Abuja headquarters on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, shortly after the arrest of Comrade Baruwa.
The leadership tussle within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has taken a dramatic turn as legal representatives of the Baruwa faction accuse the Presidency of enabling “executive lawlessness.”
Eko Hot Blog reports that during a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Barrister Tolu Babaleye expressed deep frustration over the inability of the judiciary to enforce its own judgment.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Ogun Begins Crackdown on Illegal Parks at Sango Border Over Rising Accidents
- Police Nab 30-Year-Old ‘Super M’ During Stop-and-Search in Lagos
- LASG Launches Investigation Into Cosmetic Surgery Death
According to Babaleye, despite the court affirming Ibikunle Tajudeen Baruwa as the legitimate president, MC Oluomo continues to operate with total impunity, allegedly relying on his long-standing ties with President Bola Tinubu.
The crisis escalated earlier this week when security forces, including the police and army, were seen accompanying MC Oluomo to the union’s national secretariat in Garki, Abuja.
This occurred just 24 hours after the police dispersed Baruwa’s supporters with teargas.
The FCT Police Command defended its presence at the scene, claiming it was responding to a “distress call” regarding 300 individuals armed with dangerous weapons attempting to enter the premises.
However, Babaleye countered this, stating the police are being used to “install unelected individuals” into an office reserved by law for his client.
Efforts to resolve the matter through official channels, including the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Ministry of Labour, have reportedly reached a dead end. Babaleye disclosed that when the NSA invited MC Oluomo for a meeting in Lagos, he sent his lawyer instead and allegedly told intermediaries “not to worry” as he had no intention of returning.
The lawyer challenged President Tinubu to prove his commitment to the rule of law by publicly distancing himself from the illegality.
“The President cannot claim ignorance,” Babaleye asserted, “the use of the police and army to back this takeover is a high-level operation that suggests executive coordination.”
