Kwam 1 reconciles rival transport union leaders in Nigeria — Premium Times Nigeria

Nigerian fuji musician Wasiu “Kwam 1” Ayinde helped reconcile transport union leaders Musiliu “MC Oluomo” Akinsanya and Mustapha “Tafa Sego” Adekunle on September 22 in Ojusagbola, Ijebu, Ogun State. During the meeting, they discussed mutual grievances, shook hands and hugged, promising to end their long-running conflict.

Talks before the meeting

As Premium Times Nigeria reports, the musician’s media aide, Kunle Rashid, confirmed the reconciliation. According to him, the public meeting was preceded by separate private talks between Kwam 1 and each of the two leaders.

The musician said he intervened because of his relationship with both sides and his role as the head of Team Lagos, which includes both figures. He noted that the dispute could not be resolved simply by urging them to forget their differences, as it had lasted for years and was connected to emotions and previous events.

Senior members of Team Lagos, which, according to Rashid, has transformed into Team Nigeria, attended the meeting. The musician’s aide said the atmosphere was calm: the participants greeted each other and were able to openly express their grievances.

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Long-running rivalry

MC Oluomo and Tafa Sego were previously allies in the Lagos branch of Nigeria’s National Union of Road Transport Workers. Their relationship deteriorated over a struggle for leadership, factional loyalties and influence in Lagos State’s transport sector.

In January 2019, a clash occurred between rival groups during an All Progressives Congress campaign rally in Ikeja. MC Oluomo sustained stab wounds and was taken to hospital. Lagos State police declared Tafa Sego wanted in connection with violence at the rally, but he denied involvement in the attack and said he had nothing to do with MC Oluomo’s injury.

In November 2023, MC Oluomo was re-elected chairman of the union’s Lagos branch, while Tafa Sego became treasurer. In 2024, MC Oluomo left his Lagos post to seek the union’s presidency at the national level, and Tafa Sego headed the Lagos branch in November of that year. MC Oluomo’s claim to the national presidency remains disputed: court rulings have upheld Tajudeen Baruwa as president.