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November 20, 2024
The controversy surrounding his presidency began when he emerged as the winner in an election held in Osogbo, Osun State, which was widely criticized.
Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, an ally of President Bola Tinubu, has broken his silence following a Court of Appeal's verdict that stripped him of his position as National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The controversy surrounding his presidency began when he emerged as the winner in an election held in Osogbo, Osun State, which was widely criticized.
The Court of Appeal's decision upheld an earlier ruling by the National Industrial Court, declaring Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa as the legitimate leader of the NURTW.
Baruwa had assumed office after a properly conducted election at the union's headquarters in Abuja. The Appeal Court dismissed an appeal filed by MC Oluomo’s allies - Alh. Najeem Usman Yasin, Alh. Tajudeen Badru Agbede, Alh. Aliyu Isa Ore, Kayode Agbeyangi, Alh. Alhasan Haruna 313, Aliyu Tanimu and Alh. Hakeem Adeosun as the 1st to 7th Appellants, stating it lacked merit, and imposed a fine of N100,000 on the appellants.
So far, MC Oluomo's brief tenure as NURTW President has been marked by controversy, with his son, Idowu Akinsanya (King West), boasting about their newfound control over Nigeria, not just Lagos.
However, the Court's verdict has put an end to MC Oluomo's claims to the presidency, reaffirming Baruwa's leadership position.
The Appeal Court ruling was delivered by the trio of Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, Justice Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba and Justice Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi.
The Respondents in the appeal are Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, Bello Adamu, Eugene Eze Job, Danjuma Saidu, Prince Isah Dahiru Uman, Suleiman Adamu, Odion Olaye J.P and Chief Herbert C. Iwuji as the 1st to 8th Respondents.
Meanwhile, the NURTW Southwest Zonal Chairman, Olalekan Folorunsho, popularly known as Lekan Salami, has said MC Oluomo is not a member of the union.
He stated that Oluomo in 2022 tore his NURTW identity card when he said he was leaving the Union after he was queried by its national leadership.
However, in his recent post on Instagram, MC Oluomo shared pictures of himself sitting as the National President of the NURTW.
He wrote: IT'S TIME FOR NO DISTRACTIONS! Refocused. Recharged. Ready to Rock!
“I'm back to work, primed to: Tackle ALL challenges head-on Crush my goals with precision and passion Make today count with purpose and productivity.”
MC Oluomo – President Tinubu’s Loyalist
SaharaReporters earlier reported that MC Oluomo's rise to power as the sole candidate for NURTW National President might be linked to his strong ties with President Bola Tinubu's administration.
This connection is particularly concerning, given his history of controversy.
In March 2023, MC Oluomo sparked outrage when he threatened Igbo people in Lagos, warning them to stay home during the governorship election unless they planned to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.
He was caught on video threatening Igbo people in Lagos, warning them not to vote for candidates outside the ruling party. This incident sparked widespread concern, as it undermined Nigeria's democratic process and unity.
The video, which went viral, showed MC Oluomo addressing a gathering and issuing the threatening statement during the 2023 general election.
The Nigerian Police Force promptly denounced MC Oluomo's actions, but despite this, he has yet to face punishment for his conduct.
MC Oluomo's history of controversy is well-documented. As the former chairman of the Lagos State branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, he has been accused of using thugs to disrupt elections and intimidate opponents.
His influence and wealth, accumulated during his six-year tenure, have made him a formidable figure in Lagos politics.
Meanwhile, MC Oluomo has publicly described himself as being owned by Tinubu.
In October 2018, MC Oluomo, in an Instagram post, said Tinubu owned him and that whatever he (Tinubu) wanted was what he (MC Oluomo) would support.
He wrote on his Instagram page, “I am an Asiwaju Bola Ahmend Tinubu Jagaban loyalist, I wear the Jagaban jersey, I've been a loyalist since 1999, the first mecca i went is through his execellence in the year 2000, moreso, he as done alot for me, he made me who i am today our relationship has been was very cordial and strong in the area that I grew up in.
“So I'm one of his loyalist that have strong believe in him, he own the party and any where his interest belong I Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Mc oloumo belong. I and my people in Oshodi formerly endorse HE Akinwunmi Ambode for 2nd term because his government is still working in the shadow of the party national leader, but now the case is vice-visa i have to follow the interest of Bola Ahmend Tinubu and the party decision.”