Local government workers in Osun State have stated that they will not return to work immediately, insisting that only directives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) will determine their resumption. The workers were instructed to stay away from their offices on February 16 due to insecurity concerns stemming from a legal dispute over the enforcement of a Court of Appeal judgment in Akure.
The case involves elected local government officials who were removed from office and are seeking reinstatement. These officials—chairmen and councillors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the October 15, 2022, local government elections—claim that the Court of Appeal overturned an earlier judgment by Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court in Osogbo, which had sacked them on November 25, 2022.
However, the Osun State Government has disputed this claim, stating that the court did not issue a consequential order for their reinstatement but merely allowed the appeal against their removal.
Speaking anonymously, some local government staff members expressed that returning to work is not a priority at the moment. They cited concerns over their unpaid February salaries and the upcoming NULGE state election as more pressing issues.
Isiaq, a worker at Boripe Local Government in Iragbiji, noted that “No one has asked us to resume yet, and it’s not a priority. People are worried that the ongoing crisis might affect our salaries. We’re still waiting for our February pay, and with the NULGE state election this week, those are our main concerns.”
Similarly, Teju, an Osogbo Local Government NULGE official, emphasized that only NULGE or the NLC could order their return to work. “They should pay our salary first. People are worried that the crisis in the councils might affect our payments,” he said.
Workers from Ejigbo, Egbedore, and Osogbo local governments echoed the same sentiment, stating that they would only return to work upon directives from the NLC or NULGE. One worker added, “We were told by NULGE and NLC to remain at home, and we haven’t received a new directive. For now, we’re waiting for our February salary. We’re also observing Ramadan and need our pay.”
In response, Abiodun Idowu, the leader of the APC-elected council chairmen, urged the workers to resume work, assuring them of their safety. “We appeal to them to return so we can deliver on our mandate. They are not supposed to be partisan. Work must continue, and I assure them that their security is guaranteed. Council areas across the state are safe,” Idowu stated.
The workers’ reluctance to return highlights the broader challenges facing local government operations in Osun State, including unpaid salaries, insecurity, and political tensions. As the situation unfolds, many are hopeful for a resolution that ensures both the safety of workers and the continuity of local government services.
