In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa as the legitimate President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The decision, delivered on Friday, November 8, 2024, upheld a March 11 judgment by the National Industrial Court, which recognized Baruwa as the duly elected leader of the union.
The appellate court dismissed an appeal filed by Najeem Usman Yasin, Tajudeen Agbede, and others, describing their challenge as lacking merit. The three-member panel, comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi, awarded ₦100,000 in costs against the appellants in favor of the respondents.
The Court of Appeal’s judgment solidifies Baruwa’s leadership and reiterates the legality of his election under the NURTW constitution. The court also issued a stern warning against any actions that disregard its ruling, highlighting the importance of respecting judicial decisions.
Addressing the press in Abuja, Baruwa expressed his dismay at the purported inauguration of Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, as President of NURTW. Describing the event as a “blatant disregard for the rule of law,” Baruwa called it an affront to both the judiciary and democracy.
He reiterated that MC Oluomo lost his membership in the union after publicly exiting and tearing his membership card on March 9, 2021.
“There is no vacancy in the office of the President of NURTW. The purported inauguration is null, void, and without effect,” Baruwa declared.
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Baruwa urged the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene and ensure compliance with the court’s rulings. He emphasized the need to uphold peace, order, and the rule of law in the union’s operations.
Baruwa highlighted that the NURTW operates under a legally approved constitution that stipulates clear guidelines for elections into its offices.
*”This charade undermines the authority of the judiciary and poses a serious threat to democracy. The union will not be hijacked by elements with selfish interests,”* he stated.
The embattled president appealed to union members nationwide to remain calm, assuring them that the leadership would explore all legal avenues to maintain order and eject the opposing faction from the union’s headquarters.
This ruling reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring stability within one of Nigeria’s most prominent unions while addressing the challenges posed by internal disputes.
