NLC withdraws members in Osun LGs amid Adeleke, APC faceoff

The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members working in local government areas across the state to withdraw their services, effective Monday, February 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by NLC Chairman, Dr Christopher Arapasopo, dated Sunday, February 16, 2025, the union cited concerns over the ongoing political unrest which has created fear and agitation among its members in local government offices.

The development comes amid a political standoff between Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Governor Adeleke has accused Oyetola of plotting to incite violence in the state by using security chiefs to reinstate local government chairmen and councillors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the October 15, 2022 elections.

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He said the Court of Appeal in Akure did not order their reinstatement, as claimed, but merely allowed their appeals to proceed.

Adeleke has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and prevent Oyetola-who is now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy-from taking actions that could disrupt peace in Osun State.

However, Osun APC spokesman, Kola Olabisi, dismissed Adeleke’s allegations, advising him to seek redress at the Supreme Court rather than attempt to blackmail Oyetola.

He said that Oyetola had not directed anyone to incite violence and accused Adeleke of trying to prevent the enforcement of the court ruling that reinstated the dismissed officials.

Amid the political tension, the Osun NLC Chairman, Dr Arapasopo, emphasised that “The NLC is apolitical, but we will not allow our members to work in an atmosphere of insecurity.”