Local government secretariats across Osun State witnessed a surge of security activity on Monday as thousands of workers under the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) returned to their duty posts, marking the conclusion of an 11-month "sit-at-home" directive that had paralysed grassroots administration since early 2025.
The resumption follows a protracted industrial action initiated on February 17, 2025, which the union maintained was necessary to protect its members from violent political skirmishes. The friction stemmed from a leadership tussle between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the control of council secretariats following contested elections and subsequent judicial interventions.
Heavy police presence was reported at various council entrances, including Olorunda, Osogbo, and Ife Central local governments. Security personnel were seen screening visitors and ensuring that only authorised personnel gained access to the premises. The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had previously assured the public that the command would deal firmly with any elements attempting to incite unrest during the transition.
Governor Ademola Adeleke praised the decision to return to work, describing it as a "patriotic and people-oriented" move. In a statement released through his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor expressed optimism that the resumption would revitalise social delivery and governance at the grassroots level, which he termed the most direct means of reaching the citizenry.
The NULGE State President, Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, expressed satisfaction with the safe return of his members but raised concerns regarding the continued presence of certain political figures in the secretariats. Dr Ogungbangbe alleged that some officials whose tenures had legally expired were still occupying offices, a situation he claimed could create an uneasy atmosphere for civil servants.
Despite the official resumption, some areas reported a relatively low turnout of staff on the first day. At various secretariats, workers were observed undergoing identification checks by NULGE executives and security operatives. Many employees declined to speak with the press, citing directives to remain focused on the backlog of administrative duties accumulated during the nearly year-long hiatus.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Osun State welcomed the workers back, urging them to collaborate with current council leadership to advance development agendas. The ALGON Chairman, Samuel Abiodun, called for peace and warned against any actions that could lead to a further breakdown of law and order, emphasising that the focus must now remain on service delivery to the people.
The resolution of the strike is seen by many observers as a critical step toward stabilising the state's third tier of government, although the underlying political tensions between the major parties remain a point of local concern.
