Edo NLC secretariat sealed by police as national leadership inaugurates Prof. Igbafen as caretaker chairman amid ongoing state-level union leadership crisis.
The leadership crisis within the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) deepened yesterday, prompting intervention from the national leadership to restore order.
Prof. Monday Igbafen was officially inaugurated as chairman of a Caretaker Committee tasked with overseeing the union’s affairs in the state, following months of internal disputes over the legitimate leadership of the Edo NLC.
The inauguration was initially scheduled to take place at the Edo State NLC Secretariat, popularly known as Adams Oshiomhole Labour House, located at Ikpoba Slope, Benin City.
However, security forces blocked access to the building, effectively sealing it off from staff, members, and invited guests.
Police deployed an armoured personnel carrier to the secretariat, and suspected thugs were seen loitering around the premises, heightening tensions.
Simultaneously, security personnel fortified the main gate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where the inauguration was initially planned, as part of measures to prevent the swearing-in of the new committee within the university campus.
Reports indicate that these heavy security measures were intended to bar the formal installation of the Caretaker Committee at both locations.
Faced with these obstacles, the inauguration committee, led by Comrade Oluwole Adeleye, initially gathered at the UNIBEN Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Secretariat.
Following security advisories, they moved to another undisclosed venue within Benin City, where the inauguration of Prof. Igbafen was successfully conducted.
The event drew NLC leaders from neighbouring states who had intended to witness the proceedings. Many expressed disappointment at being unable to access the sealed Labour House.
Comrade Augustine Igben of the Maritime Workers Union lamented the police blockade, describing it as embarrassing and unnecessary:
“How can the police barricade Labour House when there is no war? This is a labour issue, not a criminal matter.
“I was not allowed entry, and there were numerous security personnel and even civilians among them. It was humiliating.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Comrade Oluwole Adeleye explained that the intervention of the national NLC leadership was necessitated by a prolonged crisis within Edo NLC.
He criticized Comrade Bernard Eguakhide for declaring himself interim chairman without national approval, describing the act as “unacceptable.”
Adeleye said, “We have monitored developments in Edo NLC since last year. The former chairman became involved in partisan politics.
“By procedure, the vice chairman ought to have taken over, but surprisingly, the auditor assumed the position and declared himself chairman.
“This is not acceptable. Everybody is acting selfishly, and the national leadership cannot fold its arms. The caretaker committee must reunite all members and restore order,” he added.
He further emphasized that the national body’s role is to ensure proper governance within the union and to prevent personal ambitions from destabilizing the institution.
However, Comrade Bernard Eguakhide has maintained that he remains the legitimate interim chairman of Edo NLC.
He argued that he was elected by 43 affiliate unions within the state and accused the national leadership under Comrade Joe Ajaero of interfering in the state council’s affairs, contrary to a resolution passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.
“The national leadership claimed they were coming to inaugurate a committee, yet no such event took place at Labour House.
“We have been here all day with other workers, and nobody arrived. As far as we are concerned, nothing has changed. I, Comrade Eguakhide, remain the authentic chairman of Edo NLC,” he asserted.
In response to reports that the Caretaker Committee might use UNIBEN facilities for the inauguration, the university management disassociated itself from any such activities.
The institution stressed that its campuses are strictly academic spaces, and their facilities cannot be used for political or union activities without prior approval.
UNIBEN’s spokesperson, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, issued a statement urging all staff and student union leaders to avoid unauthorised gatherings and to respect the academic mandate of the university:
“The management of UNIBEN will not entertain requests for the use of its facilities for purposes inconsistent with the university’s academic objectives.
“Leaders of staff and student unions are urged to desist from organising any activities not approved by management,” she said.
The ongoing leadership wrangle has created divisions among workers and affiliate unions in Edo State, raising concerns about the stability and effectiveness of labour representation in the state.
While the national NLC leadership seeks to restore order through the caretaker committee, Eguakhide’s refusal to step down indicates that the conflict may persist, potentially impacting labour activities, negotiations, and solidarity within the state.