LG Crisis: Osun NLC, NULGE Orders Workers To Withdraw Services

The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has directed its members working in local government secretariats across the state to withdraw their services from Monday due to concerns over political unrest.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Dr Christopher Arapasopo, on Sunday, the NLC cited fears for the safety of its members amid ongoing tensions between Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration and the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC.

In the statement, Arapasopo said, “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has noticed the political uproar bringing agitations and fear among our members working within the Local Government Areas across the state. The NLC is apolitical, but we won’t allow our members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity.

“We urge all the political parties and their members to abide by the rule of law. We insist on the rule of law to avoid a descent to anarchy. In furtherance to this, we hereby direct all our members working in all the LGAs in Osun State to withdraw their services effective Monday, 17th February, 2025 by 12am (midnight).

“We won’t allow our members to retum until their safety at work can be assured and guaranteed, which is their constitutional right.

“We hereby call on all security agencies to ensure the safety of all lives and properties within Osun State Local Governments and the public in general.

“The NLC Osun State remains committed to defending the rights, welfare, and safety of all its members.”

The NLC, in its statement, urged all political parties to respect the rule of law and called on security agencies to ensure peace in the state.

The latest crisis stems from the dispute over the reinstatement of local government chairmen and councillors elected in October 2022.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had in a world press conference on Sunday accused his predecessor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, of attempting to incite unrest by pushing for their return.

Adeleke maintains that the Court of Appeal in Akure did not order the officials’ reinstatement, as claimed, but merely allowed their appeals to proceed. He has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi dismissed Adeleke’s claims, advising him to seek legal redress rather than “blackmail” Oyetola, who now serves as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

“Oyetola has not directed anyone to incite violence. This is a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation and prevent the enforcement of the court ruling,” Olabisi said.

Consequently, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, has directed its members across the state to withdraw their services, effective Monday.

In a statement signed by its State President, Dr. Nathaniel Kehinde Ogungbangbe, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, added that all gates of Local Government Secretariats must remain closed until further directive.

The statement reads, “The Osun State NULGE has noticed the political uproar bringing agitations and fear among our members working within the Local Government Areas across the State.

“The Osun State NULGE is apolitical, but we won’t allow our members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity.

“We urge all the political parties and their members to abide by the rule of law. We insist on the rule of law to avoid turning our Local Government Secretariats into battle grounds thereby putting the lives of our members in danger.

“In furtherance to this, we hereby direct all our members working in all the Local Government Areas in Osun State to withdraw their services effective Monday, 17th February, 2025 at 12.00 a.m. (midnight), And all gates of Local Government Secretariats must remain closed until further directive.

“We won’t allow our members to return until their safety at work can be assured and guaranteed, which is their constitutional right

“We hereby call on all Security Agencies to ensure the safety of all lives and properties within Osun State Local Governments and the public in general.

“The NULGE Osun State remains committed to defending the rights, welfare and safety of all its members.”