The Osun State Government has ordered newly elected local government chairmen and councillors to work from home amidst an ongoing political crisis surrounding the recent local government elections.
This directive was announced in a social media post by Olalekan Badmus, the Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Digital Media.
Badmus praised Governor Adeleke’s leadership, emphasising his commitment to maintaining peace and prioritising the collective interest of Osun residents.
“I salute the tenacity of the peace-loving Governor Adeleke. He has demonstrated time and time again that the collective interest of Osun people will always come first,” Badmus wrote.
He further described the work-from-home order as a strategic move, stating, “The order for newly elected Chairmen and Councillors to work from home has proven to be a masterstroke.”
Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reinforced its directive for local government workers to refrain from reporting to their offices due to safety concerns arising from the electoral dispute.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Christopher A. Arapasopo, the NLC highlighted the volatile political situation, warning that it posed significant risks to workers.
“The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly affirms its earlier directive, instructing all Local Government Area workers in the state to withdraw their services in light of the ongoing political upheaval within their workplaces. We urge our members to continue praying for peace and stability in the state.”
The NLC reiterated its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and safety, declaring that it would not succumb to political intimidation.
It said, “This release serves as a reminder that the safety of our members at work is paramount. We will not allow our members to operate in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the general public. We shall not be cowed or intimidated by desperate attempts to silence us. We stand firm in our resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in our beloved state.”
The directive comes amid a heated controversy over the conduct of local government elections in Osun State.
The crisis was triggered when the Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, advised the state government to halt the elections.
This directive was reportedly based on a ruling by the Akure Court of Appeal, which had implications for the electoral process. However, the Osun State government proceeded with the elections despite the federal directive.
The situation escalated further when the All Progressives Congress (APC) initially took control of several local government secretariats across the state but later withdrew from the election.
In response to a lawsuit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Osun State High Court in Ilesa issued an order allowing the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to continue with the elections.
On February 22, 2025, the elections were held amid legal disputes and political tensions.
The following day, OSSIEC declared the PDP victorious in all 30 local government areas of the state.
During a press conference, OSSIEC Chairman Hashim Abioye announced that the election had recorded a 60% voter turnout—a claim contested by opposition groups, who argue that the electoral process was flawed.
The situation in Osun State remains tense as opposition parties continue to challenge the legitimacy of the elections.
