The National Union of Road Transport Workers has dismissed the reported appointment of a caretaker committee for its Osun State chapter by Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, describing the action as illegal and without constitutional backing.
The National President of the union, Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, stated this in a press statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, insisting that he remained the authentic leader of the NURTW and that Akinsanya lacked the authority to make decisions on behalf of the union.
The statement followed a viral video in which Akinsanya reportedly announced the constitution of a caretaker committee after the Osun State Government dissolved the activities of the union in the state.
Baruwa maintained that his leadership had been affirmed by the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, which he described as the final arbiter in labour and industrial disputes, adding that there was no vacancy in the office of the National President when Akinsanya allegedly sought to assume the position.
The union also alleged that Akinsanya had ceased to be a member of the NURTW after resigning to serve as Chairman of the Lagos State Parks and Garages Management Committee, arguing that he lacked the legal standing to lay claim to the union's leadership.
Baruwa further stated that existing court judgments on the union's leadership dispute were binding on Akinsanya and members of his faction, noting that one of his alleged representatives, Aliyu Issa Ore, was a judgment debtor in the matter.
He also maintained that although the Court of Appeal had ruled that state governors lacked constitutional powers to dissolve trade unions, Akinsanya equally had no authority to interfere in the affairs of the Osun chapter of the union.
"The NURTW is a constitutionally recognised trade union governed by the rule of law, not a lawless organisation to be hijacked through political patronage or executive lawlessness. Mr. Akinsanya must immediately steer clear of the affairs of the union or face the full weight of the law," Baruwa said.
The union warned that it would commence contempt proceedings against Akinsanya if he continued to parade himself as the NURTW president or interfere in the affairs of the union.
It also urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services and the general public to disregard Akinsanya's actions and recognise only Baruwa as the legitimate National President of the NURTW.
