Osun APC LG Chairmen Welcome Workers’ Return as PDP Alleges Police Bias

Chairmen of local governments elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have expressed readiness to work harmoniously with council workers who returned to duty after nearly 11 months of industrial action.

The Chairman of the Osun APC chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr. Samuel Idowu, made this known on Monday while addressing journalists in Osogbo, the state capital. He commended local government workers for what he described as a peaceful and orderly resumption across the state.

The return to work followed a directive by the President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Osun State, Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, who asked members to resume duties on Monday, January 5, effectively ending a strike that began on February 17, 2025.

The industrial action was triggered by a prolonged political dispute between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC chairmen elected during the October 15, 2022 local government elections.

Monitoring by reporters showed that workers resumed duties in several councils, including Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Areas, with heavy security presence observed at council secretariats. Visitors were subjected to security checks before being allowed entry.

However, there were reported incidents in Boluwaduro and Egbedore Local Government Areas, where security operatives allegedly arrested individuals accused of attempting to remove documents from council offices.

Commenting on the development, Idowu assured that APC chairmen would maintain cordial relations with career staff, noting that workers in several councils openly welcomed the chairmen despite earlier directives discouraging interaction.

Also reacting, the Osun APC Director of Media, Mr. Kola Olabisi, speaking on behalf of the party chairman, Mr. Tajudeen Lawal, accused the state government of abusing judicial processes to disrupt local government administration.

The party alleged that multiple court actions filed by the state government had stalled access to local government funds and impeded development at the grassroots level. APC leaders warned that such actions could plunge the state into avoidable political tension and administrative paralysis.

In contrast, the Chairman of Osun PDP ALGON, Mr. Sarafa Awotunde, accused the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of taking sides in the crisis. He claimed there was an earlier understanding with security agencies that politicians would be barred from council secretariats to maintain peace.

Awotunde urged the police leadership to remain neutral, warning that continued security support for APC chairmen could destabilise the state. He described the alleged escorting of APC chairmen into council premises as unacceptable and politically motivated.

Responding to the allegations, the Osun State Police Command dismissed claims of bias. The command’s spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Ojelabi, said police officers were deployed strictly to maintain law and order.

According to him, council secretariats are public facilities open to individuals with legitimate business, stressing that anyone attempting to cause unrest would be dealt with according to the law, irrespective of political affiliation.