The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State are engaged in a heated exchange regarding the ongoing shutdown of local government secretariats, which has now lasted for three months. The shutdown began on February 17, 2025, following a directive from the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) President, Dr. Nathaniel Ogungbangbe.

This closure was prompted by a power struggle for control of the local governments, exacerbated by violence that resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals, including the APC-elected chairman of Irewole Local Government, Remi Abbas. Despite APC-backed chairmen assuming control of the secretariats, the absence of civil servants has severely hampered operations.

The APC’s media director, Kola Olabisi, criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke for failing to resolve the crisis, claiming that the governor has orchestrated the strike to undermine the APC chairmen reinstated by the appellate court. He urged the National Assembly and the Presidency to intervene to alleviate the hardship faced by residents.

In response, PDP spokesperson Oladele Bamiji defended Governor Adeleke, accusing the APC of inciting violence to create chaos and push for emergency rule. He praised the governor’s decision to halt local government activities as a protective measure and dismissed the APC’s calls for federal intervention as desperate.