Juliet Ezeh
The ongoing leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers has entered a new phase, with conflicting legal claims and rival assertions intensifying uncertainty over the union’s control.
Tensions escalated following the reported takeover of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja by a faction led by Tajudeen Baruwa, who cited court rulings as the basis for his action.
However, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya has rejected the move, maintaining that he remains the substantive National President of the union and describing the development as premature given ongoing legal processes.
According to Akinsanya, the judgment relied upon by the opposing faction is currently under appeal, with a stay of execution already in place—an argument that introduces further legal complexity into an already prolonged dispute.
The situation highlights the challenges associated with enforcing court decisions in cases where multiple legal actions and appeals are underway, often leading to parallel claims of authority.
Baruwa, on his part, insists that his actions are in line with judgments delivered by both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, noting that his faction had waited an extended period for compliance before moving to assert control.
The dispute, which has persisted for months, underscores deeper structural tensions within the union, raising concerns about its operational stability and the potential impact on Nigeria’s transport sector.
Observers warn that prolonged leadership uncertainty within the NURTW could affect coordination among members nationwide, particularly given the union’s significant role in road transport administration and logistics.
Westbridge reports that with security agencies now monitoring the situation, attention is shifting to the courts for a definitive resolution that could determine the union’s leadership and restore internal order.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.