Osun LG Crisis Deepens as Workers Reject 72-Hour Ultimatum Amid Political Showdown
The escalating local government crisis in Osun State has taken a dramatic turn as local government workers have outrightly rejected the 72-hour ultimatum issued to them to resume work amid the ongoing power struggle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a bold move, APC-backed local government chairmen, who were elected in 2022, returned to the council secretariats on Monday with heavy security escorts. Their PDP counterparts, recently elected in the controversial Saturday polls, heeded Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive and stayed away, intensifying the uncertainty gripping the state.
The crisis stems from conflicting legal rulings and political maneuvering. The APC claims legitimacy based on a Court of Appeal ruling that reportedly overturned a previous high court judgment which removed the 2022 LG chairmen. In contrast, the PDP-led state government proceeded with fresh LG elections last weekend, with the APC refusing to participate, leading to a PDP landslide victory.
Tensions have reached boiling point, with at least six reported deaths as a result of the political tussle. Amidst the chaos, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) ordered workers to stay away from the LG secretariats, fearing for their safety in the violent political face-off.
Despite the precarious situation, the returning APC chairmen have given the workers a 72-hour ultimatum to return, claiming the security situation has been stabilized. However, the NLC has firmly rejected the directive, maintaining that workers would not return under the current volatile conditions.
A correspondent who visited key LG secretariats in Ifelodun (Ikirun), Olorunda (Igbona), and Osogbo (Oke Baale) reported that APC-backed officials had taken over the premises. However, the Osogbo LG secretariat was later shut, and armed security forces—including police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives—were seen mounting roadblocks at key locations, including Osogbo/Kwara Boundary Road, Osogbo/Ilesa Road, and Gbongan/Osogbo Road. Despite the heavy security presence, business activities in the state capital continued undisturbed.
APC chieftain Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser on Education under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, confirmed that APC LG chairmen and councilors had resumed across all 30 LGAs. He warned that workers must return to duty by Wednesday or face consequences.
“All chairmen and councillors have resumed in all local governments and area councils in Osun State, including Irewole LG. The security is very tight; we have responsible police officers, DSS, and Civil Defence ensuring order. Most of the chairmen have issued press releases this morning directing their workers to resume by Wednesday. Failure to do so will result in consequences,” Olawumi declared.
However, the Osun NLC Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, swiftly rejected the ultimatum, asserting that workers would not be intimidated or forced into an unsafe work environment.
“We directed our members to withdraw their services last week due to the political turmoil and insecurity at local government offices across the state. We cannot allow our members to work in an atmosphere of fear. If not for our swift action, the chaos at the LG secretariats could have been far worse,” Arapasopo stated.
He further condemned the APC chairmen’s threats, insisting that the workers’ safety was paramount. “The sacked chairmen lack the power to intimidate, threaten, or instruct our members to resume work. We will not be bullied into submission. We insist on the rule of law and call on all political players to respect legal processes to prevent anarchy.”
Arapasopo also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently in the crisis before it spirals further out of control. “We appeal to President Tinubu to step in as a father figure and bring an end to this chaos. Security agencies must also ensure the safety of lives and property across all local governments.”
As the political showdown between the APC and PDP escalates, the fate of local government administration in Osun State hangs in the balance, with workers caught in the crossfire of a high-stakes power struggle.