By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has firmly rejected a directive calling for workers to resume duty on Monday, 6th October 2025.
The directive, which was issued by a group identifying itself as the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers of Osun State, instructed all local government employees in the state to return to work following a prolonged industrial action.
State Coordinator of the group, Comrade Adedayo Adekunle, described the strike action led by NULGE as “unjustifiable and harmful,” urging workers to resume duties immediately.
However, during a press briefing held in Osogbo on Friday, the NULGE State President, Comrade (Dr.) Nathaniel Kehinde Ogungbangbe, dismissed the call as both “dangerous” and politically driven. He warned that such action could disrupt the prevailing peace in the state.
Describing the group as unregistered and lacking legitimacy, Ogungbangbe alleged that its activities were being sponsored by elements within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to create disaffection and destabilise the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
“These self-centred and parochial people are being paid for this demonic job,” Ogungbangbe stated. “They are calling our responsible and well-informed members to resume work so as to be slaughtered. When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
He further accused the group of dragging civil servants into a politically charged conflict, cautioning that this could endanger the lives and careers of innocent workers. He urged union members to disregard the resumption directive and await further instruction from the recognised NULGE leadership.
Ogungbangbe revealed that the individuals behind the group were former members of the union who had been suspended indefinitely for engaging in anti-union activities. According to him, their renewed campaign stemmed from bitterness following their loss in the NULGE elections held on 4th March 2025.
Reiterating the union’s non-partisan stance, Ogungbangbe commended Governor Adeleke for what he described as meaningful reforms and genuine concern for the welfare of civil servants and pensioners in the state.
“They were silent for 12 years when the APC ruled this state — when workers endured half salaries and were denied promotions. Suddenly, they are ‘concerned’? Their hypocrisy is deafening,” he remarked.
He concluded by calling on all local government workers to resist any form of intimidation or manipulation from political quarters. He stressed that any official instruction regarding resumption or screening must come through the Osun State Local Government Service Commission.
“Workers united can never be defeated,” Ogungbangbe declared, urging members to remain united, alert, and patient as the union continues to safeguard their rights and welfare.