In Osun State, Local government services will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026, following the suspension of an almost 11-month industrial action by members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
The strike, which began on February 17th, 2025, was a “sit-at-home” action initiated to safeguard members from violent leadership tussles.
Specifically, clashes occurred between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the control of local government secretariats following contested elections and court rulings regarding council chairmen.
Subsequently, APC-backed executives were reinstated, and the Federal Government released withheld allocations into local government accounts.
While most legal disputes between the parties have been resolved, a pending suit on tenure elongation filed by APC members remains unresolved.
In a statement signed by NULGE President Kehinde Ogungbangbe, the union emphasised the need for adequate security to ensure the safety of workers as they return to councils, area offices, and LCDAs.
“To safeguard the lives of our members, we had no option but to vacate the premises. However, after extensive internal deliberations, the union has resolved that members should resume work on Monday, January 5, 2026.
“We hereby request the deployment of sufficient security personnel to all 30 local government councils, area offices, and LCDAs to prevent violence and ensure a safe working environment,” the statement read.
NULGE also stressed that APC-reinstated chairmen should recognize the expiration of their tenure, noting that their legal term ended on October 30, 2025.
READ ALSO: Supreme Court Dismisses Osun Govt’s Bid to Recover Withheld LG Funds
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended the union for agreeing to return to work, describing the decision as patriotic and people-orientated.
He said the resumption of duties by local government workers marked a positive step for grassroots governance and reflected the labour movement’s responsiveness to the needs of the people.
Adeleke Hails Workers’ Decision
In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed optimism that the reopening of council offices would restore service delivery and social development at the grassroots.
READ ALSO: Can Governor Adeleke Win Re-election Under the Accord Party?
He noted that local government remained the closest tier of government to the people and praised labour leaders for showing confidence in responsible leadership.
Adeleke said the return of workers would reinvigorate service delivery at the local level and strengthen governance structures designed to meet the needs of residents across the state.
Police Assure Security at Council Secretariats
The governor also commended the Nigeria Police Force for ensuring adequate security ahead of the resumption.
He praised the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 11, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police for providing security cover at council secretariats.
According to Adeleke, the police acted swiftly to prevent any attempt to disrupt the resumption of duties, noting that prompt intervention helped avert a breakdown of law and order.
He expressed confidence that security agencies would sustain their vigilance to maintain peace across the state.
Government restates position on local government autonomy
Addressing the issue of local government autonomy, Adeleke reiterated his administration’s support for the initiative, describing it as a means of deepening governance at the grassroots.
However, he stressed that the rule of law and due process must guide its implementation.
He said constitutional provisions governing the financial and administrative operations of local governments must be respected, while duly elected council officials should be allowed to exercise their mandates without interference.
The industrial action, which lasted nearly 11 months, was officially called off last Monday.
NULGE President, Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, had earlier outlined security conditions for the resumption, including the deployment of personnel to all 30 local government councils, area offices and local council development areas to prevent intimidation or unlawful occupation of council secretariats.
Ahead of the resumption, the Osun State Police Command warned that anyone attempting to disrupt activities at council offices would face decisive action.
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, said only authorized local government employees would be allowed within council premises, while security personnel had been directed to act firmly and professionally against any form of disturbance.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan also assured residents of the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, adding that officers would continue to discharge their duties with vigilance and professionalism across the state.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
