Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa has officially resumed duties as President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, following court rulings affirming his leadership.
Baruwa’s return comes after both the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and the Court of Appeal upheld his election, effectively recognising him as the legitimate head of the union. The rulings also barred any interference with the Baruwa-led executive.
Speaking to journalists, Baruwa said his resumption was backed by the authority of the court judgments, describing the development as the end of a long-running leadership crisis that had split the union into rival factions.
According to him, the dispute led to the forceful takeover of the secretariat and a prolonged legal battle that lasted about two years. He noted that his faction had formally notified the police and presented copies of the court rulings before returning to the office.
“We are a law-abiding union. Our goal is simply to reclaim what rightfully belongs to us. As you can see, this is a peaceful return, not a forceful takeover. We have waited patiently for this moment,” he said.
Baruwa also alleged that members of the opposing faction had previously attacked one of his supporters, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital. Despite this, he maintained that his group remains open to reconciliation.
The union’s General Secretary, Suleiman Abdulkadir Musa, also confirmed that efforts were made to resolve the matter amicably, but claimed the opposing faction refused to vacate the premises despite multiple appeals.
He added that the police were informed ahead of their return to ensure a peaceful process, stressing that the presence of the media was important to document the development.
The leadership crisis within the NURTW has lingered for years, marked by internal disputes, court cases, and competing claims to the presidency. With the latest court decisions, Baruwa’s camp now appears to have secured legal backing to take control of the union’s operations.
