The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ordered its members working in local government areas across the state to withdraw their services, effective Monday, February 17, 2025. The decision comes amid escalating political tensions between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the reinstatement of local government chairmen and councillors.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the state NLC Chairman, Dr. Christopher Arapasopo, the union expressed concerns over the safety of its members due to the ongoing political unrest.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress has observed the ongoing political unrest, which has caused agitation and fear among our members working in local government areas across the state,” the statement read.
The NLC emphasized its apolitical stance but stressed that it would not compromise the safety of its members. “The NLC is apolitical, but we will not allow our members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity,” Arapasopo stated.
Read also: Osun LG Crisis: Adeleke, APC clash over alleged destabilization plot
The union directed all its members to stay away from work until their safety is guaranteed. “We hereby direct all our members working in Osun State local government offices to withdraw their services effective Monday, February 17, 2025, from 12:00 am (midnight). Our members will not return to work until their safety is assured and guaranteed, as is their constitutional right,” the statement continued.
The NLC also called on security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state. “We call on all security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property within Osun State local government areas and the state in general,” the statement added.
The decision by the NLC follows a heated exchange between Governor Adeleke and the APC over the reinstatement of local government officials elected in the October 15, 2022 poll. Adeleke accused his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, of plotting to incite violence by using security agencies to enforce a court order reinstating the officials.
Adeleke argued that the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, did not order the reinstatement of the officials but merely allowed the appeals filed by the chairmen elected under the APC. He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent actions that could disrupt peace in Osun.
However, the Osun APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, dismissed Adeleke’s allegations, advising the governor to approach the Supreme Court if dissatisfied with the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
“Oyetola has not instructed anyone to incite violence. Adeleke should know that blackmail or sentiment will not change the court’s decision,” Olabisi stated. He accused Adeleke of attempting to tarnish Oyetola’s image to prevent the enforcement of the court ruling that reinstated the officials.
The political faceoff has created an atmosphere of uncertainty in Osun State, with fears of violence and instability. The NLC’s decision to withdraw its members from local government offices underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent intervention to restore calm.
As the crisis deepens, stakeholders are calling for restraint and adherence to the rule of law to prevent further escalation. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation can be resolved peacefully or if the state will descend into further chaos.
The NLC’s withdrawal of workers highlights the urgent need for dialogue and resolution in Osun State. All parties must prioritize peace and the rule of law to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
