Osun Workers Split on May Day as Labour Faction Backs APC Candidate, Demands End to Casual Jobs

A split within the labour movement in Osun State took centre stage on May Day, as a faction of workers used the occasion to push for better welfare while openly backing the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

The rally, organised by the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers, drew participants to the Olorunda Local Government Council secretariat in Igbona, Osogbo, where uniformed groups marched and delivered coordinated demands to political leaders.

Beyond the symbolism of Workers’ Day, the gathering quickly turned political. The group’s coordinator, Adedayo Adekunle, announced the association’s endorsement of Oyebamiji after what he described as a “thorough assessment,” directing members to support his candidacy in the upcoming governorship election.

That endorsement, however, sat alongside strong criticism of current labour practices. Adekunle called for an immediate end to casualisation in government institutions, describing it as exploitative and unattractive to skilled graduates. He argued that stable, permanent employment should replace temporary job arrangements across public service roles.

Workplace safety also featured prominently in the demands. Adekunle insisted that employers must prioritise the protection of workers, warning that neglect in this area could undermine productivity and morale across the system.

He further emphasised the need for stronger communication between government employers and workers, noting that early engagement could prevent strikes and reduce industrial tensions. According to him, unresolved grievances often escalate because authorities fail to respond promptly to workers’ concerns.

Representing local government leadership, Samuel Idowu, a factional chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, acknowledged the concerns and assured workers that their welfare remained a priority. He pointed to ongoing efforts to clear salary arrears and improve working conditions across councils.

Idowu also highlighted infrastructure development and empowerment programmes, including road rehabilitation and support for security agencies, as part of broader efforts to strengthen local governance and service delivery.

The event featured participation from both formal and informal sector workers, alongside members of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), who took part in a ceremonial parade.

In a parallel development, mainstream labour bodies — the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) — held a separate May Day celebration at Fakunle Government Comprehensive High School in Osogbo, underscoring visible divisions within the state’s labour movement.