As local government staff in Osun State prepare to resume work after an 11-month strike, a palpable sense of fear and apprehension looms over the state.

This anxiety stems from the tragic events of February 17, 2025, when violent clashes between members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led to the death of Remi Abass, the former chairman of Irewole Local Government. Abass was killed in a confrontation at the council secretariat in Ikire while attempting to fulfill a court order for his reinstatement.

In the wake of this incident, Governor Ademola Adeleke swiftly urged residents, including politicians from both parties, to avoid local government secretariats to prevent further violence. He emphasized that only security personnel should manage these facilities during this period of uncertainty.

After some times, the APC chairmen resumed and have been controlling the affairs of the local government. After 11-month of the crisis, Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, the state president of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), directed local government staff to resume work on January 5, citing the need for enhanced security across all local government areas. He noted that the tenure of the APC chairmen had officially expired in October 2025 and criticized the illegal occupation of public facilities by individuals disregarding the law.

“The forcible occupation of public facilities by these individuals is a direct violation of Section 1(2) of the 1999 Constitution,” Ogungbangbe stated.

In response to the NULGE’s call for resumption, Governor Adeleke expressed optimism that this would signal a meaningful restart of services and social delivery at the grassroots level. He praised the police for their commitment to ensuring safety during this transition and reiterated the importance of maintaining law and order.

“A harmonious environment is necessary for the dividends of democracy to be delivered effectively,” he added.

The APC has commended the police for their proactive steps in restoring order as local government employees return. Kola Olabisi, the Director of Media and Information for the APC, expressed gratitude for the police’s role in maintaining peace since the court reinstated the APC leadership in local councils.

However, the situation is complicated. On Sunday, the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers, led by Adekunle Adedayo, asserted that they would continue working with the APC chairmen, who have remained in office despite the strike. Adedayo criticized the earlier strike led by Ogungbangbe, labelling it a politically motivated manoeuvre that caused unnecessary hardships for staff, including loss of life.

“The prolonged strike had severe consequences. Many staff suffered health issues, with reports of 20 deaths during this period,” Adedayo lamented.

He further called for clarity, warning against unauthorized individuals claiming to represent NULGE, as the tenure of the current executives expired in May 2025. Adedayo urged compliance with established union regulations regarding the filling of vacant positions.

With both APC and PDP chairmen planning to return to their roles, the question remains: who will take over the control of local government between the opposing to ensure effective governance at the local level? The resumption of local government staff, shrouded in a mixture of hope and trepidation, marks a significant turning point in Osun’s political landscape. (The Sun)