Osun Workers set to resume today after 11months strike
...as Police allege plot to disrupt peace
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Local government administration in Osun State is set to fully reactivate on Monday, January 5, following an 11-month paralysis, as the state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) directed its members to return to their duty posts.
The resumption directive marks a potential thaw in the crisis that has gripped the state's third tier of government since February 2025.
The prolonged industrial action was originally triggered by a fierce leadership tussle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the control of council secretariats. At the height of the tension, the NULGE leadership, led by Comrade Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, ordered a withdrawal of services, citing imminent threats to the safety of workers.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described the decision by NULGE to resume work as patriotic and people-oriented.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, the Governor noted that the workers’ commitment represents a positive development for grassroots governance and underscores the labour movement’s sensitivity to the yearnings of the people.
Governor Adeleke expressed optimism that the resumption would mark a fresh start for social service delivery at the grassroots level.
He also commended the Inspector General of Police and the Osun State Police Command for providing the necessary security cover to ensure a safe return to work.
Addressing the underlying political tensions, Governor Adeleke clarified his administration's stance on local government administration.
He stated that while his government supports the federal directive on local government autonomy, it must be implemented within the confines of the law.
"Our government is not opposed to local government autonomy. The presidential decision on local autonomy has good intentions of devolving good governance to the local level. We support it. What we, however, advocate is that rule of law and due process must never be sacrificed on the altar of political shenanigans," Adeleke stated.
He insisted that the constitution must be followed in financial and administrative matters, and that rightfully elected leadership should not be denied their mandate.
Reacting to the development, the Democracy Vanguard, a pro-democracy group, warned that a mere resumption of duties without addressing the root causes of the conflict would be insufficient.
The State Coordinator of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Olowu, noted that the 11-month crisis has severely hampered service delivery and infrastructure development.
He called for a genuine resolution rather than a temporary truce.
"We are calling for a lasting solution. Efforts to address the crisis must prioritize dialogue and inclusivity. All parties should come together to find common ground. The government must take responsibility for ensuring effective governance at the LG level," Olowu stated.
Despite the resumption notice, cracks have appeared within the union regarding the management of the councils upon resumption.
A faction operating under the aegis of the 'Association of Concerned Local Government Staff' has rejected calls for the councils to be administered by Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs).
Addressing newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday, the Chairman of the association, Adekunle Adebayo, described the proposal to hand over political power to civil servants (HLGAs) as unconstitutional and a usurpation of democratic authority.
Countering the stance of the NULGE state leadership, Adebayo said, "It is crystal clear that Ogungbangbe's call for Local Government to be headed by the Head of Local Government Administrations is not in line with the constitution, therefore it is null and void."
He urged workers to focus on utilising autonomy to improve grassroots development rather than engaging in what he termed political usurpation, adding that workers must show the world they can manage autonomy effectively to put impostors on our freedom to shame.
Ahead of the resumption, the Osun State Police Command has raised an alarm over intelligence reports indicating that unscrupulous politicians are plotting to disrupt activities at various council secretariats.
The Governor acknowledged these threats, noting that the police command had acted responsibly to nip any anarchy in the bud.
He expressed hope that the security agencies would follow through on their directives to prevent any evil plot to disrupt the workers' return to duty.