The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has elected a new chairman, Comrade Ademola Adeniji Olapade of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU).

The by-election followed the retirement of Comrade Victor Amoko of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) from public service eight months ago.

However, in a dramatic twist, Olapade was declared the winner on Friday at the NLC Secretariat, Ondo Road, Akure, after his lone opponent, Comrade Akinyemi Olatunbosun of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), stepped down from the race.

Olatunbosun, who is the state NLC vice-chairman, said he took the decision for the overall progress of the labour movement in the state and to protect state workers.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman appreciated the determination and sportsmanship of his opponent for stepping down.

Olapade, who vowed to work for enhanced welfare packages for workers in the Sunshine State, said he considers his election a crucial responsibility, one that entails representing and advocating for the welfare of the hardworking labour force in the coastal state.

He said: “I can assure you that Ondo State NLC is fully back. NLC will continue to triumph in Ondo State.”

The NLC returning officer and general secretary of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), Comrade Mike Olarenwaju, who administered the oath of office to Olapade, described the election as free, fair, and transparent.

“The election and its outcome were remarkable because, when I arrived in the morning, there was fear and tension.

However, the leaders demonstrated a sense of purpose, proving that service is to the people and not for personal gain.

“I am highly impressed that the workers of the state, along with the labour leaders, have shown the world that there is unity in the labour movement in Ondo State, just as it is in the Nigeria Labour Congress at the national level.”

The state head of service, Bayo Philips, represented by Mr Sunday Omirin, and the controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs Olanike Mogboruko, along with labour leaders from the Southwest states, charged the new chairman to run a transparent and all-inclusive administration.

Omirin particularly advised: “My humble advice to the new chairman is to run a transparent and inclusive administration.

He should embark on absolute and unhindered reconciliation of all members, bringing them together.

He must prioritise the interests and welfare of workers in Ondo State.”

Meanwhile, the Ondo State chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Leke Adegbite, chaired the electoral committee that conducted the exercise.