Local government workers in Osun State resumed duty on Monday after nearly 11 months of absence, amid heavy police presence and cautious attendance.
At Osogbo and Olorunda council secretariats, only a handful of staff reported for work, while security personnel conducted screenings and patrolled council premises. In Ede North, workers were seen cleaning offices and exchanging greetings, signaling a tentative return.
Staff expressed relief at resuming duty. Mr Kunle Ajao said workers were optimistic that political tensions keeping them away would soon be resolved. Council chairmen welcomed the return, noting that stalled local projects would now resume. Mr Kunle Abdulmajid of Olorunda said, “With the return of workers, I am confident that Osun will move forward,” while Ede North Chairman Elliot Adeyemi described the environment as calm and peaceful.
The prolonged absence followed a February 2025 Court of Appeal judgment that sparked disagreements between the PDP and APC over sacked 2022 council officials. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) had directed workers to stay away, citing security concerns, but NULGE later ordered resumption.
The Osun Police warned politicians against disrupting the process, emphasizing that public order must be maintained. Monday’s return marks a key step toward restoring grassroots governance and local services.