Osun crisis: LG workers devys APC chairmen’s ultimatum to resume

Local government workers in Osun State have refused to comply with a 72-hour ultimatum issued by APC-backed chairmen, demanding their return to work amid a fierce political struggle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The crisis originated from a legal dispute, with the APC relying on a Court of Appeal ruling that reportedly reinstated their 2022-elected chairmen, while the PDP-led state government conducted fresh elections on Saturday, which saw PDP candidates emerge victorious unopposed after the APC boycotted the poll.

The leadership battle has led to violent confrontations, resulting in at least six fatalities.

In response to the crisis, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) instructed workers to avoid local government secretariats to ensure their safety.

Despite this, APC-backed chairmen, accompanied by security operatives, returned to the secretariats on Monday and ordered workers to resume duty within 72 hours or risk dismissal. Some secretariat entrances, including that of Osogbo LG, were later locked, while heavy security presence was observed across major roads in the state.

APC chieftain Jamiu Olawumi confirmed that the chairmen and councilors had resumed in all local governments and council development areas. He added that security had been reinforced and insisted that workers must return 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 local governments and local council development areas are agog and full of life,” he stated.

“Most of the chairmen have issued press releases this morning that their workers should resume by Wednesday.

After Wednesday, if they don’t resume, they will have their job determined. It is 72 hours ultimately.”

However, the Osun State NLC Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, rejected the ultimatum, reaffirming that workers would not resume in an unsafe environment.

“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,” he said.

“We cannot allow workers to be working in an atmosphere of insecurity.”

Arapasopo also accused the APC-backed chairmen of lacking the authority to issue threats.

“The sacked chairmen lack the power to intimidate, threaten and instruct our members to resume work.

We will not be intimidated by any desperate attempts to silence us,” he declared.

Calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, Arapasopo urged all political parties to respect the rule of law.

“We are calling on the father of Nigeria, that is President Bola Tinubu, to look into the happenings in Osun State as a father,” he appealed.

“Osun State NLC, TUC, and JNC remain resolute in our commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers, pensioners, and the entire populace.”

With neither party willing to concede, local government operations in Osun remain at a standstill.

The APC maintains its legitimacy based on the Court of Appeal ruling, while the PDP-led government stands by the outcome of the recent elections.

Until a resolution is reached, workers remain caught between political conflicts and the risk of violence.