Local government workers in Osun State have refused to comply with a 72-hour ultimatum issued by All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen, demanding that they return to work. The crisis stems from an ongoing power struggle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition APC over control of local government councils.
On Monday, APC-elected chairmen, who were originally elected in 2022, returned to their respective council secretariats under the protection of security forces. This move came after a recent Court of Appeal ruling reportedly overturned an earlier high court decision that had removed them from office. Meanwhile, the newly elected PDP chairmen, who won the local government election held on Saturday, stayed away from the secretariats following a directive from Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The political conflict has already turned violent, with at least six people losing their lives in related clashes. Concerned for the safety of workers, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) had previously instructed their members to stay away from work to avoid being caught in any potential violence.
Despite this, the APC chairmen issued a 72-hour ultimatum for workers to return, assuring them that the situation had stabilized. However, the NLC rejected this order, stating that workers would not resume under such circumstances. Speaking on the issue, NLC Osun State Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, reiterated that workers should not be forced to work in an unsafe environment.
“We directed our members to withdraw their services last week Monday, 27th February 2025, due to the political uproar bringing agitations and fear among our members working within the local government across Osun State,” he stated.
During a visit to several local government secretariats, including Ifelodun LG headquarters in Ikirun, Olorunda LG in Igbona, and Osogbo LG secretariat in Oke Baale, it was observed that APC council officials were present. However, the entrance to the Osogbo LG secretariat was later sealed off. Security was also heightened across the state, with armed police officers and operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stationed at key locations, including Osogbo/Kwara Boundary Road, Osogbo/Ilesa Road, Gbongan/Osogbo Road, and Osogbo/Ibokun Road.
Despite the political tension, business activities continued as usual in the state capital.
APC chieftain Jamiu Olawumi, who served as a Special Adviser on Education under former governor Adegboyega Oyetola, stated that all chairmen and councillors had resumed in all 30 local governments. He insisted that workers must return by Wednesday, warning that failure to do so could result in consequences.
“Most of the chairmen have issued press releases this morning that their workers should resume by Wednesday. After Wednesday, if they don’t resume, they will have their job determined. It is 72 hours ultimately,” he said.
However, the NLC chairman dismissed these threats, asserting that no worker would be forced to resume against their will. Arapasopo maintained that organized labor would not allow its members to become victims of political violence.
“The sacked chairmen lack the power to intimidate, threaten, and instruct our members to resume work. We will not be intimidated by any desperate attempts to silence us. We urge all political parties and their members to abide by the rule of law,” he stated.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intervene and ensure peace in the state.
“We are calling on the father of Nigeria, that is President Bola Tinubu, to look into the happenings in Osun State as a father. We also call on all security agencies to ensure the safety of all lives and properties within Osun State Local Government and the masses,” he added.
