The Osun State Government has officially denounced the Osun Workers Union (OWU), asserting that it is an illegitimate entity that does not genuinely represent the interests of workers in the state. According to a statement released by Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, the government emphasized its exclusive recognition of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) as the legitimate workers’ unions.
Recent criticisms from a faction of workers operating under the banner of the Osun Workers Union, accusing the state government of unjustly attributing the non-payment of March salary and promotion arrears to innocent civil servants, prompted this response. The union alleged that the government was politicizing the state’s financial situation.
In response, Alimi dismissed the claims made by OWU as baseless, describing them as a fabricated narrative likely orchestrated by the opposition to discredit the government. He clarified, “We believe the concoction, which has the fitting of the distraught opposition, was pushed through a non-existent labour body, promoting false information against the government.”
The statement reiterated the government’s recognition of only the NLC, TUC, and JNC as legitimate representatives of workers in Osun State and the entire country. Alimi emphasized that these recognized bodies maintain a positive relationship with Governor Adeleke’s administration.
Despite acknowledging the value and respect for the contributions of all workers in the state, Alimi expressed frustration with those perpetuating what he referred to as a “round of lies,” emphasizing that the Adeleke administration cannot comprehend the motives behind such actions.