MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In an advancement that has actually triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from four South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.
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The procedure was monitored by the acting National President of the union, Aliyu Issa-Ore, represented by Mrs. Adedamola Salam, Head of Finance from the National Headquarters in Abuja.
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The election likewise led to the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anybody to damage our means of income.“
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political criminals presumably conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for global travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has actually vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
bit.ly The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often serving as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.
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The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local communities. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting polling systems and intimidating voters, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to different legal obstacles. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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While his advocates commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the potential nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful fusion of transportation union power and political impact.
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The visit likewise raises wider concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.
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As the country continues to face problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense dispute and analysis.
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This development functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the nation’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully watched by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.