A fresh dispute has emerged between Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over the non-payment of salaries to local government workers in the state.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Governor Adeleke accused APC-linked local government officials of hijacking council funds, alleging that about ₦300 billion meant for local administration had been diverted. He stated that this situation has forced the state government to take over the payment of salaries for local government workers, teachers, health personnel, and pensioners for over a year, thereby slowing down ongoing state projects.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor maintained that his administration could not abandon workers despite the alleged diversion of funds. He stressed that failing to intervene would have led to the collapse of basic services at the grassroots, particularly in health and education.
According to the statement, the state has been using funds originally earmarked for developmental projects to sustain the local workforce. Adeleke further claimed that the APC-controlled structure within the local councils was responsible for withholding funds and frustrating proper financial operations at that level.
However, the APC rejected the allegations, accusing the governor of attempting to mislead the public. In a counter-statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party alleged that Adeleke himself was responsible for the salary delays.
The APC claimed that the governor deliberately instructed senior local government officials not to release electronic payment vouchers required for salary disbursement. The party argued that this action has stalled payments to primary school teachers, health workers, and other council staff.
It further stated that necessary financial documents—including actuarial valuation registers for pensioners, audited salary vouchers, and records of deductions such as cooperative contributions and union dues—had been prepared and verified. According to the APC, these documents were ready for processing, but the governor’s refusal to authorize their release has hindered payment.
The party also noted that the actuarial valuation outlines the financial entitlements of retirees, describing it as a bond-backed obligation that the reinstated council executives are prepared to fund through Pension Fund Administrators.
As both sides continue to exchange accusations, the dispute has left local government workers caught in the middle, with salaries and benefits still unpaid.
Adeleke, APC Clash Over Unpaid Osun LG Workers, Trade Blame
