The Osun State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has insisted that its members will not return to their duty posts until their safety can be guaranteed, following ongoing political unrest across local councils.
Dr Nathaniel Kehinde Ogungbangbe, President of Osun NULGE, made this declaration on Friday in reaction to the suspension of strike action announced by a factional group known as the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers of Osun State.
Local government operations in Osun State have been paralysed since Monday, 17 February 2025, after violent clashes erupted between supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over council control.
NULGE, led by Ogungbangbe, had earlier directed all local government workers to vacate their offices for their own protection. The directive came amidst fears of further escalation and potential casualties.
While the factional group led by Adedayo Adekunle urged staff to resume duties immediately and called for security intervention, Ogungbangbe strongly condemned the move, accusing the faction of partisanship and endangering workers’ lives.
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“Those involved are self-centred,” Ogungbangbe said. “I appeal to our esteemed members to disregard the call of these killers who are asking responsible and well-informed workers to return to work only to be slaughtered. When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
He maintained that the union’s decision was rooted in a commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles, stressing that the wellbeing of members remains paramount.
“It is pertinent to note that the elected state NULGE executives under my leadership have decided to protect our members and ensure that their welfare is sacrosanct,” he stated.
Ogungbangbe further revealed that the leaders of the factional group had been indefinitely suspended from the union for alleged anti-union activities, particularly following their loss in the NULGE election held on 4 March 2025.
“These people are yet to recover from the shock of their unexpected failure,” he said. “We will not relent in defending our members from their evil plans.”
The union president urged local government staff to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that NULGE will continue to engage with relevant authorities to ensure a secure working environment before any resumption of duties.
