The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa as the duly elected President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The court upheld a previous judgment by the National Industrial Court, dismissing challenges from rival factions.

The appellate panel, comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi, ruled that the appeal by Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, and their allies was without merit. The court declared Baruwa’s presidency valid and ordered the appellants supporters of Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya (popularly known as MC Oluomo) to pay N100,000 in damages to the respondents.

This ruling endorsed the March 11, 2024, judgment by the National Industrial Court (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023), which had recognized Baruwa’s leadership of the union.

Following the decision, Baruwa criticized the recent inauguration of MC Oluomo as NURTW president, describing it as a direct violation of the court’s earlier judgments. “NURTW is a creation of the law with an approved constitution that stipulates guidelines for elections into offices,” Baruwa said during a press conference, adding that the act was “an affront to the judiciary.”

The appellate court’s decision has cemented Baruwa’s leadership and reaffirmed the judiciary’s position against unauthorized interference in union affairs.