Osun Governor Denies Bribing Union Leaders Amid Strike

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has denied the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegations that he bribed the leadership of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE). Describing the claims as baseless and a threat to democracy and the judiciary, he issued a statement through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, asserting that the APC’s accusations are unfounded attempts to undermine the rule of law.

The governor highlighted the APC’s pattern of attacks and falsehoods, noting that the party previously falsified a Court of Appeal judgment to claim a fake reinstatement of its court‑sacked chairmen. He also pointed out that the APC ignored a valid judgment affirming the legality of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmen and councillors across the local governments. According to Adeleke, such actions constitute a serious threat to democratic life in the state, likening the party’s behavior to “political robbers in a lawless country” that invade and occupy council secretariats without legal mandate.

Adeleke urged the public to disregard the APC’s allegations, emphasizing that the workers’ union is an independent body that requires no inducement to protect its own interests. He stressed that the effort to stop the attempted looting of the local government treasury is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, who need no incentive to act responsibly.

The APC had earlier accused Governor Adeleke of financially inducing striking NULGE officials to prolong their absence from work, alleging that the governor paid senior NULGE officials large sums, citing a viral video as evidence. Adeleke’s administration denied these allegations, characterizing the opposition’s claims as a manifestation of their disregard for the judiciary and democratic principles.

The dispute underscores the ongoing tension between the state government and the APC, with the judiciary expected to make a final pronouncement. The outcome will have significant implications for Osun State’s local government administration and the welfare of its citizens, as observers await the court’s resolution and its impact on the state’s democratic life.