By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Labour Movement has warned the Nigeria Police Force against alleged arrest, harassment, and molestation of local government workers across the state, vowing to embark on labour action if the situation does not stop immediately.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), chairman in the state, Comrade Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, issued the warning on Monday while speaking at the 2026 Annual Prayer Event organised by the State Government.
Arapasopo said reports from various local government areas indicated that the police were actively supporting some politicians who were parading, arresting, and humiliating local government workers, describing the development as unacceptable and disgraceful.
According to him, workers should not be criminalised for complying with public service rules and regulations at their workplaces.
“Our members have done nothing wrong. This harassment must stop without delay,” the labour leader declared.
He condemned the reported actions, alleging that some workers were forced to kneel down and subjected to degrading treatment.
“We have seen videos and pictures of our members being forced to kneel down. We strongly condemn this conduct. We call on the police to release our members immediately. We declare our solidarity with them. The police must stop being used by the APC for illegal activities,” he said.
The NLC chairman accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to plunge Osun State into crisis.
He said, “The APC is pushing to create chaos and mayhem in Osun. We will not help them destroy our state. We will resist this agenda legally and lawfully. Labour is a pressure group and we will exercise our rights responsibly.”
Arapasopo further warned that labour would not tolerate continued harassment of workers at the local government level, stressing that Governor Ademola Adeleke had done significantly well for workers and the people of Osun State.
“We warn the police to stop harassing our people. We will not tolerate the ongoing intimidation of our members. The governor has done so much for labour and for the people of Osun,” he stated
He also declared the labour movement’s support for Governor Adeleke’s second-term bid, describing workers as key vote influencers.
“We will reciprocate by voting massively. We will also monitor the process. We are vote multipliers and we will deliver accordingly. We call on the APC to see us clearly; we are not afraid of anyone,” Arapasopo said.
He pledged that the labour movement would mobilise votes in support of Adeleke, popularly known as Imole, and ensure the success of his re-election.
“We will deliver for Imole. All they are doing to us is worsening their situation, as their image is being eroded daily. Osun is a civil service state and we will show them clearly,” he added.
Recalling past experiences, the labour leader said workers suffered under previous administrations but found relief under the Adeleke-led government.
“They messed us up in the past, but when Imole came, he corrected the wrongs and revived our hopes. Our minimum wage is the best, and this is the first time we have had a hitch-free minimum wage negotiation in the country.
“The voters are our families and friends. We will mobilise them, and they will vote massively for Imole,” he concluded.
