Sego: How Sanwo-Olu prevented Lagos transporters’ war

The recent resignation of Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, from his position as Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, has brought to light a power struggle that had the potential to escalate into a full-fledged conflict among transport unions in Lagos.

In a strategic move to prevent this brewing conflict, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu brokered a resolution between key stakeholders, leading to significant changes in the union’s leadership.

The decisive intervention of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu played a crucial role in diffusing the tension within the NURTW in Lagos.

The governor, alongside key officials such as Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Transportation Sola Giwa, and other high-profile figures, facilitated a meeting at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja, on January 1, 2024.

During this meeting, MC Oluomo officially announced his decision to resign from the position of Chairman.

Reports have it that MC Oluom had initially refused to leave the mandate of Lagos leadership because of the lucrative nature of the union’s business in the state.

MC Oluomo’s announcement to cede power to Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Seego, the current Treasurer of the union in the state, marked a significant shift in leadership.

Dressed in white native attire, MC Oluomo expressed his willingness to contest for the position of NURTW President, with the changes set to take effect before the end of January 2024.

Sources revealed that MC Oluomo’s decision to step down was influenced by various factors, including pressure from powerful friends and influential figures in Lagos, notably Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi. Elegushi was said to have personally told Oluomo to step down or face imminent embarrassment from his loyalists.

“They gave him national president where he cannot get big money like Lagos,” a source said.

Reports also indicate that about 80% of branch chairmen in Lagos had stopped remitting money to the union’s state coffers, leading to a decline in Oluomo’s resources.

The reported ailment of factional NURTW President Tajudeen Agbede is considered a contributing factor to MC Oluomo’s decision to seek the national presidency.

Over the years, the NURTW in Lagos has been marred by internal crises, prompting interventions from the Lagos State Government.

In September 2023, the government dissolved its Park and Garages Committee, indicating its involvement in the internal affairs of the NURTW.

As the crisis unfolds, the loyalty of key figures within the NURTW is shifting. Former allies of MC Oluomo, including branch chairmen and influential individuals, are reportedly aligning themselves with Seego.

This unexpected turn of events has left MC Oluomo in a vulnerable position, with dwindling resources and a loss of political patronage.

The brewing tension between MC Oluomo and Seego could have led to a more extensive crisis within the NURTW, with potential spillover effects that could impact the overall security and stability of Lagos.

If MC Oluomo had failed to hand over leadership to Mustapha Adekunle, the already tense situation within the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos could have escalated into a full-blown crisis.

The lack of support from key figures and influential individuals, coupled with the suspension of fund remittances by branch chairmen, would have further weakened Oluomo’s position, making it challenging for him to maintain control.

The power struggle within the NURTW could have spilled over into the streets of Lagos, affecting residents’ daily lives and posing a threat to the overall security and stability of the state.

Additionally, Oluomo’s failure to heed the calls for a peaceful transition may have alienated him from the union members and political patrons, resulting in a loss of trust and support.

The absence of a coherent leadership structure could have left the NURTW in disarray, exacerbating existing tensions and potentially impacting the transportation system in Lagos.