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


In an advancement that has actually stimulated both event and issue across Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.


The election, which happened at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transportation 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 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 likewise led to the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.


In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, "I have forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our ways of income."



A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with significant baggage and debate.


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


Most especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.


He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident led to extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.


The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition requiring worldwide travel bans versus him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.



Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 cited his questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.


The group mentioned, "MC Oluomo's management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members' welfare." They likewise raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.



The NURTW's Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, often functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.


The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has resulted in changing what was originally a transport employees' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.



Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.


His methods of operation have frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot units and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition advocates.



Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's management has caused numerous legal challenges. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.



Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future instructions and role in Nigeria's political landscape.


While his fans celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a dangerous fusion of transport union power and political impact.


The appointment also raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.


As the nation continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme debate and scrutiny.


This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation's political processes.


As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by supporters and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's more comprehensive political landscape.