Osun APC Chairmen Pledge to Recall 1500 Workers, Clear Salary Arrears

Reinstated local government chairmen in Osun State, Nigeria, have announced plans to recall more than 1,500 dismissed workers and to clear outstanding salary arrears owed to traditional rulers. The announcement follows the release of federal allocations that had been withheld from councils since February 2025 because of a leadership dispute between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abiodun Idowu, chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the APC faction, said the reinstated chairmen are committed to restoring effective grassroots governance across the state. He reaffirmed that the APC‑led executives are the legitimate administrators of the 30 local government councils and the area office, a position upheld by the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on 10 February 2025.

The APC chairmen have finalized plans to re‑engage the 1,500 workers dismissed by the previous administration, including teachers, health workers, O’YES cadets and O’Meal vendors who were employed under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. Idowu added that, in addition to recalling these staff, the chairmen will also offset part of their salaries and emoluments. Arrangements have also been made to clear arrears owed to traditional rulers, whose welfare the chairmen consider essential for local administration and community peace.

Idowu accused Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration of using the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and other affiliated groups to obstruct the release of the federal allocations intended for the councils. He argued that earlier release of the funds could have eased financial pressures on councils, traditional rulers, teachers and health workers.

The ALGON chairman dismissed allegations that the APC‑led council executives were attempting to divert local government funds through unauthorized deductions, calling such reports baseless fabrications intended to discredit their return to office. He urged residents to remain calm and supportive, promising that the restored local government leadership will focus on community development, job creation and rebuilding public confidence in local governance.

The release of the previously withheld federal allocations is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s local government administration, enabling the reinstated chairmen to implement their plans and address outstanding issues. With APC‑led executives back in office, residents can anticipate improvements in grassroots governance and service delivery.