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.