Reinstated local government chairmen under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have pledged to reabsorb over 1,500 sacked workers and clear salary arrears owed to traditional rulers, following the release of previously withheld federal allocations to local councils.
The funds, withheld by the Federal Government since February 2025 over leadership disputes between the APC and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were recently released into accounts operated by the APC-backed council executives.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Friday, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Osun State, Abiodun Idowu, reaffirmed the commitment of the reinstated chairmen to reviving grassroots governance and restoring confidence in local administration.
“Our mandate, freely given by the people of Osun State during the October 2022 local government elections, was temporarily interrupted but has now been restored by the Court of Appeal,” Idowu stated. “We are back to serve and deliver the dividends of democracy at the grassroots level.”
He disclosed that plans had been finalised to recall the 1,500 workers disengaged by the present administration, including teachers, health officers, O’YES cadets, and O’Meal vendors employed during the tenure of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
“Arrangements are in top gear to re-engage the 1,500 workers laid off by the current government. Beyond recalling them, we intend to pay part of their outstanding entitlements. This is a policy statement, not politics,” Idowu added.
The ALGON chairman also assured that the welfare of traditional rulers remained a top priority, revealing that the councils would soon begin offsetting outstanding allowances owed to monarchs across the state.
“The traditional rulers will be among the first to benefit from this renewed financial autonomy. Their welfare is central to ensuring community stability and effective local governance,” he said.
Idowu, however, accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of allegedly instigating the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and other groups to frustrate the release of the allocations meant for councils.
According to him, the prolonged delay in disbursing the funds worsened financial strain across local councils and hindered development at the grassroots.
“Those funds were meant to sustain essential services and local development, but political interference stood in the way,” he lamented.
He further dismissed allegations that the APC-led councils planned to divert local funds through unauthorised deductions, describing such claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
Idowu appealed to residents to remain calm and supportive of the reinstated leadership, assuring that the councils would focus on rebuilding public trust, promoting community-based projects, and creating employment opportunities across the state.
