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

In a development that has actually triggered both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.
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The election, which took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from 4 South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

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 consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our ways of livelihood.”
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with considerable baggage and debate.
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Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The aftermath of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political criminals apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has actually emphatically opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful leadership design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.
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The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often acting as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was initially 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 rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interrupting polling units and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to different legal difficulties. Notable amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective across the country growth of what they see as an unsafe fusion of transport union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
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As the nation continues to come to grips with issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and examination.
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This development functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the nation’s political procedures.

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