The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed its members working in local government areas across the state to cease their services starting Monday, February 17, 2025.
In a statement signed by NLC Chairman Dr. Christopher Arapasopo on Sunday, February 16, 2025, the union expressed concern over the ongoing political unrest, which has led to growing anxiety and insecurity among its members working in local government offices.
This move follows accusations by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke against his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, whom he claims is attempting to incite violence by using security officials to reinstate local government chairmen and councillors from the October 15, 2022 election.
Adeleke clarified that the Court of Appeal in Akure had not ordered their reinstatement but merely allowed appeals filed by the APC-elected chairmen. He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt Oyetola’s actions, which he fears may disrupt the peace in Osun.
In response, Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi advised Governor Adeleke to seek a resolution from the Supreme Court instead of accusing Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, of attempting to incite violence. Olabisi criticized Adeleke for trying to tarnish Oyetola’s reputation and obstruct the enforcement of the court ruling that reinstated the dismissed officials.
Amid the growing political tension, Arapasopo emphasized the NLC’s neutrality but voiced grave concerns about the safety of its members in local government offices. He stressed that while the NLC remains apolitical, it cannot allow its members to work in an environment marked by insecurity.
“The NLC is apolitical, but we will not allow our members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity,” Arapasopo stated.
The NLC’s statement continued “The ongoing political unrest has created agitation and fear among our members in local government areas across the state. We urge all political parties and their supporters to respect the rule of law and avoid further escalation into anarchy. Consequently, we have instructed all our members in Osun State’s local government offices to withdraw their services starting at midnight, February 17, 2025.
“Our members will not resume work until their safety is guaranteed, as is their constitutional right. We call on all security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property in Osun’s local government areas and throughout the state.”
