Osun workers rally in mass solidarity for Governor Adeleke, praising his welfare policies and endorsing him for a second term amid chants of support.
Osun public servants today trooped out in their thousands in what they called appreciation solidarity rally in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke for all his support and care for Osun workers since he took over state governance in 2022.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the demonstration of support began as early as 8:00 a.m. when civil servants, led by the State Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, assembled at the entrance of the state secretariat.
Dancing, drumming and singing, the workers filled the premises with chants of praise for the governor.
By the time the state governor arrived the Secretariat around 11:00am, the procession was launched from the gate to the podium of the Governor’s office, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Osun Workers are solidly with you; Imole is 4+4; We won’t go to Egypt Again; Deep thanks to Imole” among others.
The chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for Osun state, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo reaffirmed the workers’ endorsement of the governor for a second term, describing Adeleke’s government as workers’ government.
“We assemble here to thank you for all you do for workers. You are one of us as a leader who cares deeply for us.
“Let the whole world know that Osun workers remain firmly behind our Governor now and all the time.
“We reaffirm our endorsement of Mr Governor for a second term. Today we gather to reaffirm that support.
“We will not be intimidated to abandon good governance which our governor represents.
“Our backing the governor is in recognition of his achievements especially for public service. His records are unprecedented”, the NLC chairman declared amidst cheering and applause from the tireless crowd.
The State chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bimbo Fasasi while repeating the NLC position justified workers’ stance on the ground that the Adeleke government has remained consistent in addressing workers needs and aspirations.
“We are totally with the Governor. We reject any attempt to drag Osun back to the evil past.
“We are out in show of force to affirm our backing for Mr Governor. See us in our thousands” the TUC Chairman noted.
Also speaking, the Osun state chairman of NULGE, Comrade Kehinde Ogungbangbe said it is illegal to peon local governments accounts without statutory members of the union as signatories.
According to him, it amounts to impersonation to replace statutory signatories as provided by law with APC members, insisting that such an account is illegal and in contravention of state finance law.
“We are sending a message to the Ministers of Justice and Finance that Osun workers are with the Governor and the state government on the local government crisis. We are for the rule of law, and our governor is right before the law.
“We thank Mr Governor for continuously paying workers’ salaries despite the seizure of the local government allocations. If they are still in power, APC will stop the salaries of local workers,” the NULGE leader noted.
The Joint Negotiation Committee Chairman, Comrade Lekan Adediran in his address supported the position of NLC, TUC, and NULGE, declaring that “Osun workers are united in their endorsement of Governor Adeleke for second term”
Head of Service, Elder Aina who mobilised the workers for the event expressed the appreciation of the service to the Governor for his enticing efforts towards workers welfare and well being.
“Our labour leaders have spoken so passionately. We deeply commend your consistent support for the workforce. You are not only delivering good governance for the state, you are delivering dividends of democracy even for workers across the Ministries and agencies”, the HOS affirmed.
Responding, Governor Adeleke described the solidarity rally as “manifestation of true love and endorsement by Osun workers.
“I am overwhelmed by your show of love since I took over in 2022. I reaffirm my support for workers’ welfare, the first item on my five point agenda.
“Expect more goodies and services. I urge you to collect your voter cards. Mobilise your members and families.
“Let us sustain good governance now and in the future. Use your vote for continuity of responsive leadership and democratic dividends”, the governor assures the cheering crowd.
It will be recalled that Osun workers had previously endorsed Governor Adeleke for a second term during the 2025 May Day celebrations.
