Local government secretariats across Osun State remain empty following a directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which asked workers to stay home due to security concerns. The directive comes amid ongoing political tensions surrounding the recent local government elections.
The NLC’s state chairman, Christopher A. Arapasopo, stated in a press release that the safety of workers could not be guaranteed, prompting the union’s decision. “Our members’ safety is non-negotiable. We will not allow them to work in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity,” he said.
The political standoff began when the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), advised the Osun State government to suspend the planned local government elections following a ruling by the Akure Court of Appeal.
Despite the federal government’s position and ongoing legal disputes, the Osun State government proceeded with the elections on February 22, 2025.
The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) subsequently declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the winner in all 30 local government areas. However, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which had withdrawn from the elections and taken control of several local government secretariats, rejected the outcome.
Governor Ademola Adeleke later swore in the newly elected officials, but the political situation remains unresolved. The APC’s occupation of local government offices and the resulting tensions have made these workplaces unsafe, leading to the NLC’s precautionary directive.
“We stand firm in our resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law. We will not be intimidated,” Arapasopo added.
The NLC has also called on workers to pray for peace and stability in the state as discussions on resolving the political impasse continue.
