Osun NURTW: Baruwa threatens to sue MC Oluomo for contempt of court

The court-recognised National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, has threatened to institute a contempt of court proceeding against Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, over his reported appointment of a caretaker committee for the union in Osun State.

Baruwa made this position known in a statement he issued to newsmen on Monday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

He described Akinsanya as an impostor without legal or constitutional authority to interfere in the affairs of the NURTW, insisting that only the union’s recognised leadership could take decisions affecting its operations nationwide.

He maintained that his position as National President had been affirmed by the National Industrial Court (NIC) and Court of Appeal, which he described as the final authority on labour and industrial disputes, adding that Akinsanya lacked the legal standing to act on behalf of the union.

He also argued that Akinsanya was not a member of the NURTW when he allegedly sought to assume its leadership, having resigned to head the Lagos State Parks and Garages Management Committee, and therefore could not claim authority over the union.

He saud: “The NURTW is a constitutionally recognised trade union governed by the rule of law, not a lawless entity to be hijacked by political patronage or executive lawlessness. 

“Mr. Akinsanya must steer clear of NURTW affairs immediately or face the full wrath of the law.”

Baruwa further contended that the court judgments obtained by the union were binding on Akinsanya and his associates, warning that continued disregard for the rulings could result in contempt proceedings carrying legal consequences.

“The leadership of the union will have no option but to commence contempt of court proceedings if the persistent violation of valid and subsisting appellate court judgments continues,” he said.

The union also called on the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and members of the public to disregard Akinsanya’s actions and recognise Baruwa as the legitimate National President of the NURTW.

Ade Phillip

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖