The Osun State Government has directed newly elected local government chairmen and councillors to work from home due to the ongoing political crisis surrounding the recent local government elections.
The directive, announced via the official X handle of Sahara Reporters, was reinforced by Olalekan Badmus, the Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Digital Media. Badmus hailed Governor Adeleke’s leadership, emphasizing his commitment to peace and prioritizing 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 stated.
He described the work-from-home order as a strategic move to maintain stability amid the electoral dispute.
Amidst the rising tensions, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reinforced its earlier directive, instructing local government workers to stay away from their offices due to safety concerns.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Christopher A. Arapasopo, the NLC warned that the volatile political atmosphere 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 union stressed that it would not succumb to political intimidation, declaring its commitment to defending the rights and safety of workers.
> “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 deepening crisis over the conduct of local government elections in Osun State.
The controversy began when the Federal Government, through the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, advised the state government to halt the elections, citing a ruling by the Akure Court of Appeal that had implications for the process. However, despite the federal directive, the Osun State Government proceeded with the elections, escalating political tensions.
The crisis intensified when the All Progressives Congress (APC) initially took control of several local government secretariats across the state but later withdrew from the election process.
In response, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) approached the Osun State High Court in Ilesa, which issued an order allowing the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to proceed with the polls.
On February 22, 2025, the elections were conducted amid legal battles and political strife. 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 claimed the election had recorded a 60% voter turnout—a figure disputed by opposition parties, who alleged widespread irregularities and voter suppression.
The political landscape in Osun State remains charged, with opposition parties vowing to challenge the election results in court. The APC has accused the PDP of electoral malpractice, while civil society groups have called for an independent review of the process.
As uncertainty looms, Governor Adeleke’s work-from-home directive for newly elected officials appears to be a temporary measure to maintain order. However, with the NLC’s directive for workers to stay away and opposition forces ramping up their resistance, Osun State remains on edge, bracing for the next chapter in its unfolding political drama.
PIONEER NEWS 