The newly elected local government chairmen and councillors in Osun State have been directed to work from home due to the ongoing political tension surrounding the recent local government election.
The directive was disclosed in a social media post by Olalekan Badmus, Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Digital Media.
Badmus lauded Gov. Adeleke’s leadership and commitment to peace, emphasizing that the governor prioritizes the collective interest of Osun residents.
“I salute the tenacity of the peace-loving Governor Adeleke. He has demonstrated time and time again that the collective interest of Osun people will always come first,” Badmus stated.
Describing the work-from-home order as a strategic decision, Badmus added: “The order for newly elected chairmen and councillors to work from home has proven to be a masterstroke.”
Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reinforced its directive instructing local government workers to avoid their offices due to safety concerns arising from the electoral dispute.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, the NLC warned that the volatile political situation posed significant risks to workers’ safety.
“The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly affirms its earlier directive, instructing all local government area workers in the state to withdraw their services in light of the ongoing political upheaval within their workplaces.
“We urge our members to continue praying for peace and stability in the state,” the statement read.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers’ rights, asserting that it would not bow to political intimidation.
Read also: Tension in Osun State over attempt to take over Local Government
“This release serves as a reminder that the safety of our members at work is paramount. We will not allow our members to operate in an atmosphere of insecurity. We remain resolute in our commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the general public.
“We shall not be cowed or intimidated by desperate attempts to silence us. We stand firm in our resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in our beloved state,” it added.
The directive follows a contentious dispute over the conduct of local government elections in Osun State.
The crisis began when the Federal Government, through the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, advised the state government to halt the elections.
However, the state government proceeded with the election, despite the federal directive.
The situation escalated further when the All Progressives Congress (APC) initially took control of several local government secretariats across the state, and later announced its withdrawal from the election.
The election was conducted on February 22, 2025. On February 23, the state electoral commission declared the PDP victorious in all 30 local government areas of the state.
