Osogbo, Nigeria — Local government workers in Osun State have refused to comply with a 72-hour ultimatum issued by opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen, as the political battle over council leadership intensifies.
The crisis stems from a contentious power struggle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition APC over control of local government administration in the state.
On Monday, APC-backed chairmen, elected in 2022, re-entered local government secretariats under tight security, insisting they remain the legitimate council leaders following a recent Court of Appeal ruling. Meanwhile, newly elected PDP-backed chairmen, who emerged from Saturday’s local government polls, stayed away from the premises in compliance with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive.
The APC maintains that the Court of Appeal ruling effectively reinstated its chairmen, whose tenure was previously nullified by a high court ruling. Conversely, the Adeleke-led administration proceeded with fresh elections, in which PDP candidates emerged victorious unopposed after the APC boycotted the poll.
The dispute has fueled violent clashes, resulting in at least six fatalities. In response to security concerns, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) instructed workers to avoid council offices to prevent being caught in potential confrontations.
Despite assurances of safety from APC chairmen, who issued a 72-hour deadline for staff to return to duty, the NLC reaffirmed its stance, rejecting the ultimatum.
A visit to several local government headquarters—including Ifelodun LG in Ikirun, Olorunda LG in Igbona, and Osogbo LG in Oke Baale—revealed the presence of APC officials at the premises. However, the Osogbo LG secretariat was later sealed off.
Heavy security deployment was also observed across key locations in the state capital, with roadblocks manned by police officers and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives stationed along major routes, including Osogbo/Kwara Boundary Road, Osogbo/Ilesa Road, Gbongan/Osogbo Road, and Osogbo/Ibokun Road.
Despite the political standoff, business activities continued uninterrupted across the state capital.
Reacting to the situation, Jamiu Olawumi, an APC chieftain and former Special Adviser on Education under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, asserted that the APC chairmen had resumed work in all 30 LGAs.
“All chairmen and councillors have taken their rightful positions across Osun’s local governments and area councils. The secretariats are now fully operational with robust security provided by the police, DSS, and NSCDC,” Olawumi stated.
He further warned that local government workers must return to their posts by Wednesday or face potential disciplinary action.
However, in a swift response, Osun NLC Chairman Christopher Arapasopo dismissed the ultimatum, reaffirming that workers would not return under unsafe conditions.
“We instructed our members to withdraw their services due to the heightened political tensions and security risks across Osun’s local governments. Their safety remains our top priority,” Arapasopo declared.
He criticized the forceful takeover of some secretariats, arguing that if labour unions had not intervened, the crisis could have escalated further.
“No amount of intimidation can coerce workers into resuming under duress. The sacked chairmen lack the authority to threaten or dictate terms to our members. We urge all political actors to adhere to the rule of law to prevent a descent into anarchy,” he added.
The NLC also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and facilitate a resolution to the crisis.
“We call on President Tinubu, as a father to the nation, to pay attention to the unfolding situation in Osun State. Security agencies must also ensure the protection of lives and property amid this unrest,” the statement read.
The NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Osun’s workers and pensioners while urging all parties to prioritize peace and stability in the state.
By Taiwo Olatinwo| February 25, 2025.