Barely 24 hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke swore in newly elected council executives, reinstated local government chairmen and councillors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) resumed office on Monday, issuing a directive for striking workers to return to work by Wednesday.
The ongoing tussle for control of local governments in Osun turned violent last week, resulting in the deaths of six people, including one of the reinstated chairmen. In response, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) state chairman, Comrade Chris Arapasopo, declared a strike, citing safety concerns for workers.
Although Governor Adeleke had instructed the newly elected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) council executives to stay away from the secretariats until the crisis was resolved, APC chairmen moved in on Monday, securing the premises with armed policemen. Reports confirm their presence in councils such as Boripe, Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun, and Boluwaduro.
APC chieftain Jamiu Olawumi affirmed the takeover, stating, “We have resumed in all local government areas. The authentic chairmen have even issued a 72-hour ultimatum to striking council workers to return to their posts.”
Meanwhile, the NLC, in a memo (NLC/OSS/SEC/VOL. 5/005), reaffirmed its stance, maintaining that workers’ safety remains a priority. “We shall not be intimidated. Our resolve is to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in Osun State,” Arapasopo declared.
Opposition and Allegations
Osun State Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Adebayo Adewale, warned Adeleke against using state funds to bankroll the newly elected council executives, labeling them as “sit-at-home” chairmen.
APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, accused Governor Adeleke of plotting attacks on the reinstated officials using Amotekun operatives and alleged imported thugs from Oyo and the Niger Delta.
“Intelligence reports suggest that Adeleke’s political dynasty, led by Dr. Deji Adeleke, is unsettled by the national embarrassment from the controversial local government election,” Olabisi stated.
Adeleke’s Response
Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the APC’s claims as “baseless concoctions.” He insisted that his administration has maintained peace despite provocations, adding that visiting governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed were in Osun solely for a peace mission.
“Our state remains peaceful because the governor strategically denied APC the fuel for its arsonistic plans,” the statement read. “Neither the visiting governors nor our Chief of Staff imported hoodlums into Osun.”
Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, urging all parties to abide by legal processes rather than resorting to violence.
