Osun LG Crisis: NLC disregards ultimatum, insists workers won’t return to work amid tensions

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have rejected a 72-hour ultimatum issued by All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen, directing workers to return to their offices at local government secretariats across Osun State.

According to reports, the APC-led local government administration issued the directive after forcibly taking control of the councils, claiming that normalcy had been restored. However, Osun NLC Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, dismissed the order, stating that workers would not succumb to intimidation, especially given the volatile political atmosphere in the state.

Due to ongoing political tension in Osun, NLC and NULGE had previously instructed local government employees to stay away from their offices to avoid potential clashes between rival political factions. In response to the unrest, security forces, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been deployed to key locations across the state to maintain order.

Speaking to Punch, APC chieftain Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser on Education under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, confirmed that APC chairmen and councillors had resumed duty at all 30 local government secretariats and area councils in the state.

“All chairmen and councillors have resumed in all local governments and area councils in Osun State, including Irewole LG. The secretariats and local council development areas (LCDAs) are bustling with activity,” Olawumi said.

He further warned that local government staff must return to work by Wednesday, stating that failure to comply would lead to disciplinary measures, including possible termination of employment.

“After Wednesday, if they don’t resume, their jobs will be at stake. It’s a 72-hour ultimatum,” he added.

In response, NLC Chairman Christopher Arapasopo released a statement on Monday, reiterating that workers would not return under duress. He emphasized that threats would not force employees back to work in an unsafe environment.

Arapasopo said, “We directed our members to withdraw their services last week Monday, 27th February 2025 due to the political uproar bringing agitations and fear among our members working within the local government across Osun State.