Workers across local government council secretariats in Osun State have resumed duties following directives from their leaders, ending an 11-month strike. The employees, members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) led by Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, had been on strike since February 2025 due to disputes between APC and PDP elected council officials.

The dispute escalated to litigation, reaching the Supreme Court, where the matter concerning financial status was struck out because it was instituted by the State Attorney-General rather than the local government officials.

By 9 a.m., Vanguard correspondents observed workers returning to their offices at Olorunda, Osogbo, Irepodun, and Orolu local government secretariats. Security was notably tight, with police and other operatives screening visitors. Journalists were allowed entry only after proper identification, and armed personnel and security vehicles were stationed at strategic points around the council premises.

The Chairmen of Olorunda, Osogbo, and Orolu—Mojeed Kudaisi, Saheed Onibonokuta, and Abolade Nureni—welcomed the return of workers as a positive step for grassroots governance, assuring maximum cooperation to advance developmental projects across the state.

Dr. Ogungbangbe, NULGE President, commended members for promptly resuming work but raised concerns about police permitting APC reinstated council officials to enter secretariats despite their tenure having expired. “My members have resumed fully, and they should be allowed to perform their duties. APC filed a case in the Federal High Court for an extension of tenure, which has not been granted. Why are they in the secretariats now?” he questioned.

Representing the APC council executives, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola defended their presence, stating that security personnel were ensuring legality. “We have been at the council since February 2025 and opened the doors for returning workers today. Police ensured only authorized individuals entered,” he said.

Osun Police Command spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, clarified that the police role was limited to maintaining law and order, adding, “Our duty is to prevent any breakdown of law and order across council areas. We cannot intervene in legal disputes.”