Osogbo, Nigeria — June 18, 2025
A fresh wave of controversy has hit the Osun State local government administration, as the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) remain locked in a dispute stemming from the Appeal Court judgment delivered on February 10, 2025.
During a press conference held in Osogbo, the State President of NULGE, Comrade (Dr.) Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, cited what he described as an unsafe political environment and administrative confusion as grounds for the union’s decision to withdraw its members from duty. The union leader claimed that the directive was in compliance with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Osun State Chapter, aimed at safeguarding workers amidst rising political tensions.
“We directed our members to stay away from work solely for their protection. It was a difficult but necessary decision,” Ogungbangbe said.
He went on to commend Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke for what he termed leadership maturity, while also acknowledging the support of the national NULGE leadership led by Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara.
Ogungbangbe further raised alarm over an alleged attempt to bypass statutory financial procedures in the administration of local government funds. He referenced a letter from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, dated June 10, 2025, calling for the opening of new local government accounts. The union accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of attempting to install unauthorized signatories into the financial architecture of the local government system in Osun State.
“NULGE upholds that only career officers — Directors of Finance and Supplies, and Directors of Administration and General Services — are legally empowered to be signatories. Any move outside this framework is both illegal and dangerous,” he stated.
ALGON Responds: “NULGE’s Actions Are Politically Driven”
In a swift and assertive rebuttal, Osun ALGON, under the leadership of its State Chairman, Hon. Abiodun Idowu, dismissed the union’s claims, describing them as a smokescreen for political maneuvering.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Abidemi Ayandayo Yusuf, ALGON challenged the basis of NULGE’s strike, noting that security had been fully restored in all local governments for over two months, yet workers continued to stay away from their duties.
“It is contradictory and insincere for a union that claims to be on strike due to insecurity to simultaneously attempt signing official documents. If you’re truly on strike, then act like it. This selective engagement is nothing short of sabotage,” Yusuf asserted.
He alleged that the NULGE leadership was allowing itself to be used as a political tool by elements within the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), prioritizing political loyalty over the professional duty owed to the people of Osun State.
According to Yusuf, despite the ongoing disruptions, Hon. Abiodun Idowu and the current local government chairmen remain committed to service delivery and are ready to welcome workers back at any time.
“Our mandate is to serve the grassroots, and that responsibility is not negotiable. With or without those attempting to derail the system for partisan purposes, we will continue to function effectively. Osun ALGON, under Hon. Abiodun Idowu, will not allow governance to be held hostage,” he emphasized.
As the crisis drags on, stakeholders have expressed concerns about its adverse effects on grassroots development and public service delivery. While NULGE continues to push for what it calls legal and procedural compliance, Osun ALGON remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure that governance does not grind to a halt.
With the citizens of Osun State caught in the middle, the call for a lawful, sincere, and speedy resolution has become even more urgent. What remains clear is that under the leadership of Hon. Abiodun Idowu, Osun ALGON is determined not to allow political distractions to hinder democratic dividends at the local level.
By: Mustapha Salam
For: CivicPulseNg
Date: June 18, 2025
