Local government workers in Ogun State have issued a fresh seven-day ultimatum to Governor Dapo Abiodun, demanding full implementation of local government autonomy, payment of outstanding allowances and other entitlements, or face indefinite industrial action.
The ultimatum was contained in a communique issued at the end of an emergency congress of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Ogun State chapter, held in Abeokuta on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The workers accused the state government of deliberately frustrating the full operation of the Local Government Autonomy Act passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, particularly the direct allocation of funds to LGAs without state interference.
The workers demand Immediate and unconditional implementation of full local government autonomy as enshrined in the Constitution and the 2024 Autonomy Act., Direct remittance of statutory allocations from the Federation Account to the 20 LGAs without deductions or state interference. Payment of all outstanding promotions, leave bonuses, hazard allowances and other entitlements owed workers since 2023. Stoppage of alleged diversion of LG funds for state projects without due process or workers’ consent. Immediate conduct of credible local government elections (last held in 2021) to restore democratic governance at the grassroots.
NULGE Chairman in Ogun State, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole, who read the communique, said: “We have endured enough excuses and empty promises. Governor Abiodun must act within seven days or we will have no choice but to shut down all local government secretariats, primary health centres, primary schools and other services indefinitely. The autonomy law is clear LGs must be free to function without state suffocation.”
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The union also threatened to join the ongoing nationwide agitation by organised labour for full LG autonomy if the state government fails to comply.
Government Response The Ogun State Government is yet to issue an official reaction to the ultimatum. However, sources close to the governor say consultations are ongoing with LG chairmen and labour leaders to avert a strike.
The development comes amid nationwide tension over LG autonomy, with several states facing similar threats of industrial action from NULGE chapters.
If the strike proceeds, it could paralyse primary healthcare, waste management, primary education and revenue collection in all 20 local government areas of Ogun State.
This is a developing story.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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