Osun State Governor Commends Police, Welcomes Workers’ Return to Local Government Secretariats
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued a directive for strict adherence to the Osun State Local Government Accounts Administration Law, 2025. This legislation governs the establishment, management, and operation of all local government accounts within the state.
In a formal statement released through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke also extended his commendation to the Osun State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE). He lauded their decision to resume work on January 5th, characterizing the move as both patriotic and beneficial to the populace.
This resumption marks the end of an 11-month industrial action undertaken by NULGE members. The strike stemmed from a protracted dispute over the control of local government councils, a conflict that had seen significant friction between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Adeleke emphasized that the workers’ decision to return to their duties reflects the labour movement’s understanding of and responsiveness to the populace’s desires and aspirations. He expressed strong optimism that January 5th would herald a new era of revitalized services and enhanced social delivery at the grassroots level. The governor underscored the critical role of local government administration as the most effective channel for reaching citizens and residents directly. He further noted that the labour leaders’ actions demonstrated a trust in responsible governance.
Police Role in Ensuring Orderly Resumption
Governor Adeleke also took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the Osun State Police Command’s recent efforts to uphold law and order at various local government secretariats across the state. He specifically acknowledged the commitment of the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 11, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police.
“The police command has acted responsibly to prevent anarchy and violence being plotted by some elements,” Governor Adeleke stated. He elaborated that the prompt intervention of the police had effectively thwarted any potential untoward incidents at the secretariats. The governor voiced his expectation that the command would continue to rigorously enforce its directives against any clandestine attempts to disrupt the workers’ resumption of duties.
Stance on Local Government Autonomy and Rule of Law
Addressing the broader issue of local government autonomy, Governor Adeleke clarified his administration’s position. “Our government is not opposed to local government autonomy,” he asserted. He acknowledged the positive intentions behind presidential decisions aimed at devolving good governance to the local level, stating, “We support it.”
However, he stressed a fundamental principle: “What we however advocate is that rule of law and due process must never be sacrificed on the altar of political shenanigans.” Governor Adeleke reiterated that compliance with the constitution and existing laws governing the local government system is paramount in all financial, administrative, and other related matters.
Furthermore, he maintained that the rightfully elected leadership of the local government should not be impeded in their legitimate exercise of their mandates. This, he stated, has consistently been the administration’s stance.
Call for Peace and Unity for Democratic Dividends
The governor concluded by welcoming the workers back to their duties and commending the police and other security agencies for their role in maintaining peace within the state. “Only under harmonious conditions can the dividends of democracy be sufficiently delivered,” he posited. Governor Adeleke stressed the essential need for “peace, unity, and adherence to democratic principles” to ensure the effective delivery of governance and services to the people of Osun State.
