The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Osun State

  • Osun LG workers resume after 11-month strike amid heavy security presence

    Osun LG workers resume after 11-month strike amid heavy security presence

    Local government workers in Osun State on Monday resumed duty across council secretariats after an 11-month strike, with heavy security deployment observed at various local government offices.

    The Nation recalls that members of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) embarked on the industrial action on February 16, 2025, following a dispute between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of the local government councils.

    A tour of several council secretariats by our correspondent showed a strong security presence, with police patrol vehicles stationed at the entrances of the councils to maintain law and order.

    The reinstated APC chairmen welcomed the returning workers, assuring them of their readiness to collaborate in strengthening governance at the grassroots level.

    Local government areas visited by The Nation included Olorunda, Osogbo, Orolu, Irepodun, Boluwaduro, Boripe, and Obokun.

    In Osogbo, the Vice Chairman, Rasak Latona, received the workers and urged them to work with the council leadership to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda, while criticising the prolonged strike action by NULGE.

    Latona confirmed that more than 300 workers had resumed duties at the council. “So far, so good. It has been peaceful and well-coordinated. On arrival, we could see security personnel at the entrance checking those who are supposed to be in, so there will be no trouble,” he said.

    Read Also: Police warn politicians against sabotage of Osun LG workers’ resumption

    Speaking with journalists, the Osun State President of NULGE, Dr. Kehinde Ogungbangbe, expressed satisfaction over the resumption of work by union members across the state.

    However, he accused the police of bias, alleging that security operatives allowed APC council chairmen into the secretariats despite earlier warnings that their presence would not be tolerated.

    He said, “To my utmost dismay, today I discovered that it was the Police that were opening the gate for the politicians to enter the local government. The control crisis still linger and the case is in court, so politicians ought to stay away from the LGAs.”

    Speaking on behalf of the APC council executives, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola denied police bias but noted that security operatives only backed legality.

    “We have been at the council since February 2025, and the keys of the secretariat have been with us. We opened the door for the returning workers today, and the police checked all those who went inside the council today.

    “The NULGE executives were at the gate to identify their colleagues without identity cards. Some of our supporters who went to the secretariat with us were sent back because they had no business there. We are at the council, and we are operating autonomously.”

  • Factional Osun State council workers warn against disorder

    Factional Osun State council workers warn against disorder

    Factional council workers under the auspices of Association of Concerned Local Government Workers, Osun State yesterday warned against moves that could plunge local government administration into disorder.

    The faction faulted Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) for calling on Heads of Local Government Administration (HLAs) to take over the running of the councils amid the lingering leadership crisis.

    The auspices through its state Chairman, Adekunle Adedayo, addressing reporters yesterday at the NUJ Correspondents Chapel, Osogbo berated the leadership of NULGE led by Dr Kehinde Ogungbangbe for playing a partisan role during local government control crisis between executives of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Read Also: Nigeria are favourites, Mozambique coach admits

    NULGE embarked on strike since February 17, 2025, but last month, it directed members to resume today and called on HLAs to take over the running of the councils.

    Reacting to the development, Adedayo noted that his faction had been working with the APC-led council executives under peaceful atmosphere with their salary being paid promptly.

    He cited that several Supreme Court authorities objected to a call by NULGE president that councils should be run by HLAs, saying “political governance at the local government level cannot be exercised by non-political, unelected officers.

    “Therefore, HLGA assuming political power will amount to: Usurpation of democratic authority and abuse of office.

  • OPU gets new exco

    OPU gets new exco

    The new executive of the Osogbo Progressive Union (OPU), Osogbo, Osun State has been sworn in.

    The OPU is the umbrella body for all indigenes of Osogbo.

    The new President of OPU, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Olayanju, and other executive members took the oath of office at the Ataoja Palace in Osogbo on Saturday.

    Olayanju in his acceptance speech said the new the OPU leadership would put necessary measures in place to unite all indigenes and also resuscitate the annual Oroki Day to rally all indigenes together.

    Olayanju, who noted that the annual get-together was last held in 2014, said the union was ready to collaborate with the Osogbo Elders’ Council and Osogbo Action Council to bring back the Oroki Day celebration.

    Read Also: Nigeria, AU call for respect of sovereignty, unity of Somalia 

    “We are going to collaborate with the Osogbo Elders’ Council and Osogbo Action Council and make sure Oroki Day starts again in 2026,” Olayanju said.

    “Every one of us should cooperate. Anybody who truly has the interest of Osogbo at heart would always be alive to whatever programme and project that will enhance the image of the town and one of such programmes is this annual get-together called Oroki Day,”  the president said.

  • Osun local govt crisis escalates as APC, PDP clash over 2026 budgets

    Osun local govt crisis escalates as APC, PDP clash over 2026 budgets

    The long-standing dispute over control of local governments in Osun State has intensified, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trading claims of legitimacy, as the ‘reinstated’ APC-backed council executives signal readiness to access and allocate 2026 fiscal year funds.

    The tussle dates back to February 10, 2025, when the Appeal Court reinstated APC council executives who had been sacked by the Federal High Court in 2022. A subsequent election saw PDP winning all local government seats, yet both parties continue to assert control over the councils.

    The Federal Government directed APC chairmen to open accounts on behalf of the councils, into which allocations were deposited. 

    The Osun State government opposed this, insisting that only civil servants, not the APC ‘sacked’ executives or appointed treasurers, should be signatories to council accounts.

    In a further twist, PDP council chairmen have presented their 2026 budgets to the Osun State House of Assembly, while APC executives submitted theirs to the Local Government Legislative Council.

    Hon. Abiodun Idowu, APC factional Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, maintained that there is no legal or administrative barrier preventing local government executives from accessing and utilising statutory allocations for 2026, independent of the governor’s approval.

    Attempts to reach Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, were unsuccessful at the time of filing. 

    A government source, however, described the situation as “peculiar,” noting, “The PDP chairmen are the legally recognised executives, and Governor Adeleke is ready to give them a free hand to operate, but APC illegality is affecting the implementation.”

  • Yuletide: 5,000 Osun households in 10 LGAs benefit from Oyetola initiative

    Yuletide: 5,000 Osun households in 10 LGAs benefit from Oyetola initiative

    No fewer than 5,000 households in 10 Local Government Areas of Osun State have received food hampers from the initiative of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to mark the 2025 Christmas celebration. 

    The initiative which was named Ilerioluwa was sponsored by the son of the Minister, Femi Oyetola, aimed to lift the vulnerable, elderly Osun residents, orphanage homes, People With Disabilities (PWDs), orphanage homes and Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN). 

    The distribution of the food items was done at the Tinubu/Shettima campaign office at Ogo-Oluwa area, Osogbo, Osun State. 

    Speaking with newsmen, Femi Oyetola, said, “This initiative is the third edition to extend a hand of love towards the vulnerable, aged and the PWDs in Osun Central Senatorial District of the state. 

    “In every festive season, we always want to make everybody happy that is why for this edition we are providing a food hamper gift for 5,000 households in 10 local government areas of Osun Central.” 

    Also, the Osun State Chairman of CAN, Rev. John Adeleke lauded the initiative of the Minister, saying, “This will go a long way to cushion the effect of hunger in this festive season. We will distribute the package for our vulnerable members across the state.

    CAN chairman who was represented by Apostle Samson Opadotun urged wealthy Nigerians to extend love to the needy during festive and difficult times. 

    Similarly, the APC leader of PWDs, Adewale Nafiu disclosed that over 100 households of people with disabilities across political divides benefited from the initiative. 

  • Insecurity: We will modify training curriculum, adopt marksmanship, field craft — COAS

    Insecurity: We will modify training curriculum, adopt marksmanship, field craft — COAS

    The Chief of Army Staff(COAS), LT.-Gen Waidi Shaibu, has announced the plan to modify the training curriculum in the three Nigerian Army’s depots as part of renewed efforts to combat insecurity and banditry in the country. 

    Shaibu noted that the military will adopt marksmanship and essential field craft skills to make results-oriented soldiers across the nation. 

    The COAS speaking at the maiden Passing Out Parade of 89 Regular Recruits Intake at Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, Osun State on Saturday, disclosed that 3,500 soldiers will be deployed to stem the tide of insecurity. 

    Addressing the new recruits, he attested that the six months training has transformed the young men and women into disciplined, resilient, and patriotic Nigerian soldiers. 

    According to him, “It is indeed a thing of pride to be the pioneer set of recruits to have been trained here. You must therefore wear this badge with honour and act as worthy ambassadors of this institution throughout the span of your careers.

    “You are joining the Army at a critical period in our history when our country is faced with diverse security challenges. Indeed, you have chosen a noble path of honour that is paved with challenges, but these challenges are not unsurmountable.”

    He noted that the new intake have been exposed purposeful leadership which will be useful for them on the field, urging them to reflect upon the values that they imbibed during training and in the moments of adversity, they should draw strength from training’s guiding principle of success.

    He added that the current threat landscape of Nigeria has brought to the fore, the need for increased recruitment towards a surge in our manpower strength, saying “the new intake should be mindful. 

    COAS said, “An increase in quantity without a corresponding enhancement of the quality of our troops will negate the entire strategic goal. It is therefore gratifying to state here today that apart from Depot Nigerian Army Zaria and Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, the newly approved Depot Nigerian Army Abakaliki will come on stream very soon. 

    “Going forward, the training curriculum in all 3 of our Depots will be modified and streamlined to focus on marksmanship and other requisite field craft skills necessary to produce fit, adept and result-oriented soldiers.”

    He disclosed that necessary measures have been put in place to cater for soldiers welfare and wellbeing in and out of service. 

    He also lauded President Bola Tinubu, for his steadfast belief and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, noting that “His strategic guidance has indeed been pivotal to our successes and milestone achievements.”

    Earlier, in the remark of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, he pleaded with the COAS to help the state to fight against the infiltration of bandits from Kwara to Osun State. 

    He promised to provide necessary support for the military to achieve its mission by combating any aggression against peace of the state and Nigeria as a whole. 

    He said, “I seek further support of the military and especially the Army to contain infiltration of bandits into Osun from Kwara state. The threat is real amd we strongly believe the ongoing operation will contain the threats.”

  • Osun trains 1,000 youths, women on waste-to-energy to boost jobs, green economy

    Osun trains 1,000 youths, women on waste-to-energy to boost jobs, green economy

    In a move to address unemployment while advancing environmental sustainability, the Osun State Government has trained 1,000 youths and women on waste-to-energy conversion as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s economy.

    The beneficiaries were drawn from 30 local government areas of the state under an initiative tagged “Power from Plenty: Turning Local Waste into Clean Energy for Osun Communities.”

    Speaking at the programme, the Director-General and Special Envoy of the Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Prof. Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, said youths and women bring distinct but complementary capacities that are critical to community development.

    “Youths bring ideas, women bring innovation and communality. They are also the groups most affected by the impacts of climate change. In Osun State, we have decided to prioritise them, not only in adaptation and mitigation, but also in revenue generation and green entrepreneurship, which we are introducing into the state,” she said.

    According to her, the training targeted 1,000 youths and women and represents the second batch, following an inaugural session held in August.

    “Today’s training focuses on the complexities of generating energy from waste, unlike the first batch, which was designed to introduce the basics of waste-to-wealth,” she explained.

    Prof. Obuaku-Igwe further noted that the programme aligns with the state’s broader strategy to institutionalise climate governance.

    “Our goal is to put structures in place to institutionalise climate governance in the state by establishing desk officers across all local governments and MDAs. This will help us synthesise information, mapping and data across the state,” she said.

    She added that Osun State is implementing a circular economy model at different levels, alongside nature-based solutions and climate action advocacy.

    “This training is our anchor project among several initiatives. We believe it will not only promote sustainability but also generate carbon revenue for the state,” she added.

  • JUST IN: Oyebamiji emerges as APC Osun governorship candidate

    JUST IN: Oyebamiji emerges as APC Osun governorship candidate

    The immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for next year’s governorship election in Osun State.

    Oyebamiji was affirmed by all 1,660 delegates at the party’s primary after being nominated by Mr Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and seconded by Senator Babajide Omoworare.

    Following the nominations, the Chairman of the primary election committee, Governor Monday Okpebholo, called for a voice vote, which saw the delegates unanimously endorsed Oyebamiji.

    “By the power conferred on me as Chairman of the primary committee, I hereby declare Bola Oyebamiji, AMBO, as the candidate of our party,” Okpebholo announced.

    Details shortly…

  • APC group seeks review of Osun primary committee appointment

    APC group seeks review of Osun primary committee appointment

    A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, known as the Kogi APC Renaissance Forum, has called on the national leadership of the party to review an appointment made to the committee overseeing the 2025 Osun State governorship primary election.

    The group, through its spokesperson, Adejo Emmanuel, made the appeal following the inclusion of some individuals as members of the primary election committee.

    In a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, the forum expressed concern that the appointment could reflect negatively on the party, given the sensitivity and importance of the Osun governorship primary.

    According to the group, the APC has a wide pool of experienced and credible party members who could be entrusted with such a crucial responsibility. 

    It stressed that the process of selecting the party’s governorship candidate should inspire confidence among party members and the general public.

    The forum urged the national chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yiltwatda,  to reconsider the decision in the interest of party unity, credibility and public perception, noting that transparent and widely accepted processes are vital to strengthening the party ahead of future elections.

    The group therefore appealed for a review of the appointment as part of efforts to preserve the integrity of the party and ensure a credible primary election capable of producing a broadly accepted flag bearer for the Osun governorship election.

  • Osun PDP Reps caucus disowns guber primary, blames Makinde for party’s crisis

    Osun PDP Reps caucus disowns guber primary, blames Makinde for party’s crisis

    The Osun State caucus in the House of Representatives on Wednesday accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of attempting to interfere in Osun politics by importing “thugs and political jobbers” to conduct a governorship primary in the state.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, the caucus, all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rejected Tuesday’s governorship primary and warned the purported winner, Adebayo Adedamola Fryo, not to present himself as a PDP candidate.

    The caucus members include Bamidele Salam, Mudashiru Lukman Alani, Akanni Clement Ademola, Adewale Moruf Adebayo, Adetunji Abidemi Olusoji, and Oladebo Lanre Omoleye.

    They accused Governor Makinde of political brigandage and formally disowned the primaries allegedly conducted under his influence, expressing disappointment in his actions.

    Condemning what they described as a “purported governorship primary” orchestrated with outsiders from Ibadan, the lawmakers stated that Makinde’s conduct reflects desperation for regional political influence and amounts to untoward behavior capable of destabilizing Osun’s political environment.

    They further emphasized that the PDP has established procedures for primaries, including the election of ward ad-hoc and national delegates, without which no primary can be considered valid.

    “We unequivocally reject the fraudulent conduct of a purported primary that threw up one Adebayo Adedamola Fryo as the PDP candidate in the 2026 elections,” the statement read. The caucus warned Fryo that parading himself as a candidate would constitute criminal impersonation and provoke the party in Osun State.

    Highlighting Makinde’s political immaturity, the lawmakers advised him to heed the Yoruba proverb: a man accused of theft should not approach the villagers’ chickens at night.

    They cautioned him against exporting impunity and recklessness to Osun, which has a sitting governor known for inclusive governance.

    Reiterating their commitment to the PDP Constitution, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act, the lawmakers urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discard the results of the alleged primaries and ensure adherence to proper procedures in selecting candidates.