The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) took significant action on Monday by removing Comrade Odion Olaye from his position as state chairman. Comrade Bernard Joman has been appointed as the acting chairman until a new election is conducted by the national NLC leadership.
The decision was made at a State Executive Committee meeting held at the NLC’s Labour House in Benin City. Out of the 34 active affiliate unions, 27 reportedly supported Olaye’s removal. This development coincides with the final days of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, adding a layer of political tension to the state’s labor affairs.
Despite the decision, Olaye has dismissed the move, stating he remains the legitimate chairman until 2027. “There is nothing like that (removal). The NLC is not a small organisation that some people will just sit somewhere and decide,” Olaye asserted.
Osahon Omole, a representative from the Council of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, outlined reasons for Olaye’s dismissal, citing unresolved issues within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
According to Omole, a court order had previously removed Olaye as chairman of the NURTW in Edo, yet he allegedly refused to comply. Furthermore, Olaye’s alleged failure to pay union dues for over 20 years was highlighted as a violation, with the NURTW officially recalling him from NLC representation in a letter dated November 4, 2024.
The NLC leadership also accused Olaye of aligning too closely with political interests in the lead-up to the Edo State governorship election. “We cannot allow anybody to drag the name of the NLC into politics like was done in the immediate past,” stated NLC leaders.
Acting chairman Bernard Joman, affiliated with the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical, and Recreational Services Employees, has promised to focus on workers’ welfare and restore the NLC’s independence from political influence.
