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

In a development that has triggered both event and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
bet9ja.com The Rise to Power
Delegates from four South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

The procedure was supervised 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.

The election also resulted in the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
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In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our methods of livelihood.”
bet9ja.com A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
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Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.
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He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
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The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring international travel restrictions against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 cited his doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.
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The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
bet9ja.com The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically serving as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transportation workers’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
bit.ly Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various 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.
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His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to various legal challenges. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the potential across the country expansion of what they see as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.
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The consultation likewise raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to grapple with concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense dispute and examination.

This development works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the country’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.