The recent resignation of MC Oluomo, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, from his position as Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has revealed a power struggle within the union that threatened to escalate into a significant conflict among transport unions in Lagos.
In a strategic move to avert potential crisis, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu played a pivotal role in brokering a resolution between key stakeholders, resulting in substantial leadership changes within the union.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, along with Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Transportation Sola Giwa, and other prominent figures, facilitated a crucial meeting at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja, on January 1, 2024.
During this meeting, MC Oluomo officially announced his resignation from the position of Chairman.
Initially resistant to relinquishing control due to the lucrative nature of the union’s business in Lagos, MC Oluomo’s decision to step down marked a significant shift in leadership dynamics.
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He expressed a willingness to contest for the position of NURTW President, with the changes set to take effect before the end of January 2024.
Various factors influenced MC Oluomo’s decision, including pressure from influential figures in Lagos, notably Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, who advised him to step down or face potential embarrassment from his loyalists.
Reports also suggested that about 80% of branch chairmen in Lagos had ceased remitting money to the union’s state coffers, diminishing Oluomo’s resources.
The reported health issues of factional NURTW President Tajudeen Agbede were considered contributing factors to MC Oluomo’s decision to seek the national presidency.
The NURTW in Lagos has faced internal crises over the years, prompting government interventions, including the dissolution of its Park and Garages Committee in September 2023.
The unfolding crisis has seen shifts in loyalty within the NURTW, with former allies of MC Oluomo aligning themselves with Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Seego.
This turn of events has left MC Oluomo in a vulnerable position, with dwindling resources and a loss of political patronage.
Had MC Oluomo failed to hand over leadership to Mustapha Adekunle, the existing tensions within the NURTW could have escalated into a more extensive crisis, potentially impacting the security and stability of Lagos.
The lack of support from key figures and influential individuals, coupled with the suspension of fund remittances by branch chairmen, would have weakened Oluomo’s position, making it challenging to maintain control.
The power struggle within the NURTW, if not resolved peacefully, could have spilled onto the streets of Lagos, affecting residents’ daily lives and posing a threat to the overall security and stability of the state.
Oluomo’s failure to heed calls for a peaceful transition could have alienated him from union members and political patrons, resulting in a loss of trust and support.
The absence of coherent leadership could have left the NURTW in disarray, exacerbating tensions and potentially impacting the transportation system in Lagos.
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