The leadership crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has deepened, with the union’s legally recognized president, Ibikunle Barua Babaleye, appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and enforce court judgments affirming his leadership.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Thursday, Tolu Babaleye explained that the crisis began in 2023, toward the end of the tenure of the former NURTW president, Comrade Ipegunle Barua, whose term was set to expire on August 27, 2023. Barua was re-elected and inaugurated on August 23, 2023, at the National Delegate Conference in Nasarawa State.
However, just days after his inauguration, a faction led by former president Usuma Yassin attempted to install another leader, Ginabuja, in direct contravention of the NURTW Constitution. “They suspended or terminated Barua’s inauguration illegally,” Babaleye said, emphasizing that the intruding faction acted outside the law.
Barua immediately approached the National Industrial Court in Abuja, securing a judgment validating his election and nullifying the actions of the so-called caretaker committee. When the opposing faction appealed, the Court of Appeal dismissed the case, affirming Barua’s leadership.
Despite these rulings, Babaleye said that Barua has faced significant obstacles in assuming office. “Early in the morning, thugs and security agents removed Barua from the premises, and there was even a fatality,” he recalled, describing the ongoing intimidation and persecution of the union president.
Further legal action was taken to clarify that Barua, as the court-recognized president, must have access to the union’s office. On March 6, another court order directed that all occupants vacate the office within 24 hours, yet the order has not been executed.
Babaleye criticized the Nigerian police and other security agencies for failing to implement court orders, noting that procedural excuses were used to delay compliance. “The National Industrial Court does not have an execution unit for non-monetary judgments,” he said, highlighting systemic obstacles that have prevented justice.
Letters have been sent to key government offices, including the President, the Labour Minister, the National Security Advisor, and the Inspector General of Police, requesting enforcement of the court rulings. Babaleye said the lack of response underscores a broader institutional reluctance to uphold the law.
The lawyer alleged political interference, stating, “It is very obvious that Barua offended someone in high places, which is why the court judgment has not been executed.” He emphasized that the union president’s lawful mandate is being undermined by vested interests.
Babaleye warned that failure to resolve the dispute amicably would destabilize future NURTW elections. “There will be parallel elections, no peace, and continued conflict at every leadership transition,” he said, highlighting the long-term implications for the union.
He called on President Tinubu to act decisively, stressing that commitment to the rule of law must go beyond words. “Barua has waited two and a half years for justice. The Presidency must ensure that legal pronouncements are respected to prevent further breakdown of order,” Babaleye asserted.
The NURTW crisis, as explained by Babaleye, is not only a union issue but a test of Nigeria’s adherence to the rule of law. “The executive’s refusal to implement court judgments sets a dangerous precedent,” he concluded, urging immediate action to restore lawful leadership and safeguard institutional integrity.
Triumph Ojo
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