A group within the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees in Osun State, known as the Association of Concerned Local Government Staff, has instructed workers in the council areas in the state to resume their duties. The directive comes in response to a previous call by the NULGE State President, Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, for workers to stay off work since February 17, 2025.
The factional group’s state coordinator, Adedayo Adekunle, addressed the media in Osogbo, stating that the closure of council secretariats in the state was deemed illegal. Adekunle also highlighted several alleged wrongdoings by Ogungbangbe, accusing him of manipulating election processes for personal gain.
In response, Ogungbangbe dismissed Adekunle’s group as illegitimate and claimed they were instigated by political interests to disrupt harmony within the union. He refuted the accusations made against him, emphasizing that primary healthcare centers are operational and denying the use of local government secretariats for NULGE elections.
The disagreement between the two factions has led to a standstill in services provided by local government workers, affecting the public’s access to essential documents and services. Both groups are at odds over the legitimacy of the directives given to workers in the council areas.
While Adekunle’s group urges local government workers to return to work immediately, Ogungbangbe maintains that the workers should adhere to the original directive issued by the NULGE State President. The situation remains tense as both sides stand firm in their positions, with allegations and counter-accusations being exchanged.