Low Turnout as Osun Council Workers Resume After Eight-Month Strike Over Leadership Crisis

Work resumed across local government secretariats in Osun State on Monday after an eight-month-long strike, though attendance was notably low in most council areas. The industrial action, which began in February 2025, stemmed from a leadership crisis between officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the grassroots level.

Story: Written by Myra Chinonso October 7,2025

The strike had crippled operations across several local councils, leaving offices under lock and key and halting administrative services to communities.

Federal Government Intervention Ends Deadlock

The prolonged impasse started to ease after the Federal Government recognized the reinstated APC chairmen and approved the release of six months of previously withheld allocations to the councils under their control. This intervention paved the way for a gradual return to work.

Last week, the Coordinator of the aggrieved workers, Comrade Adedayo Adekunle, called on colleagues to end the strike, describing the continued sit-at-home as “unnecessary.” However, the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) maintained that the industrial action had not been officially suspended.

Workers Resume Under Tight Security

Despite mixed signals from the unions, some staff members were seen returning to duty in Boripe, Orolu, Obokun, Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun, Ayedire, and Ilesa West local government areas under heavy security presence.

However, reports indicated a low turnout across most secretariats.

Council Chairmen React to Low Attendance

Speaking to reporters, the Chairman of Olorunda Local Government, Hon. Kunle Kudaisi, dismissed claims that his council had been completely inactive during the strike.

“We have continued carrying out essential duties. What happened today is that NULGE formally resumed, and some members are already present,” he said.

Kudaisi attributed the low attendance to the ongoing collection of promotion letters at the Osun State Secretariat, assuring that full resumption would follow soon.

“Political office holders are on ground, and NULGE members have started returning. The environment is safe and ready for full operations,” he added.

The local government authorities have called on all staff to resume duties fully, emphasizing the need to restore grassroots governance and public service delivery after months of disruption.