29 March, 2025
Mercy Emmanuel
News Desk.
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have forcefully taken over local government secretariats, vandalizing infrastructure and engaging in disruptive activities, including cooking and dining within the Local government premises.
The President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, Dr. Nathaniel Kehinde Ogungbangbe, has raised concerns over the worsening crisis in the state’s local government administration.
Ogungbangbe while Speaking in an exclusive interview with Rulers’ World Television, described the situation as volatile, with rising security and governance challenges.
According to Dr. Ogungbangbe, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have forcefully taken over local government secretariats, vandalizing infrastructure and engaging in disruptive activities, including cooking and dining within the premises. The escalating tensions prompted authorities to impose a lockdown on all local government offices until order is restored.
The closure follows a violent clash between APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officials on February 17, 2025, which claimed six lives, including the APC chairman of Irewolede Local Government. The APC insists on its legal right to occupy the secretariats, a stance that has fueled political and legal disputes.
In response, NULGE has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Ikirun, seeking a judicial ruling on the rightful administration of local governments. Until a verdict is reached, Dr. Ogungbangbe confirmed that local government employees have been directed to work remotely, assuring them of full salary payments to cushion the impact of the disruption.
Amid the crisis, a faction named the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers has challenged NULGE’s position, urging workers to resume duties at the secretariats. However, Dr. Ogungbangbe dismissed the group’s legitimacy, alleging that it was sponsored by APC operatives who imported individuals from Abuja and offered financial incentives to undermine NULGE’s authority.
Addressing the broader issue of local government autonomy, Dr. Ogungbangbe pointed out that while local governments have some level of independence, financial control remains centralized. He accused the State Joint Local Government Account of skimming funds meant for local governments, arguing that this interference hinders full autonomy. He stressed that local governments should function independently rather than as appendages of the state government.
Despite the ongoing crisis, Dr. Ogungbangbe reaffirmed NULGE’s support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Administration particularly for his efforts in addressing workers’ welfare. He praised the governor for clearing outstanding salaries inherited from past administrations and allowing labor leaders to negotiate the state’s minimum wage, which is now paid consistently.
Reacting to allegations of bias and bribery, Dr. Ogungbangbe denied ever receiving any financial benefits from the state government, asserting that his support for the governor is based solely on Adeleke’s pro-labor policies.
As the legal battle unfolds, the court’s decision is expected to be a decisive factor in shaping the future of local government administration in Osun State. He concluded.
