Thousands of local government workers in Osun State — including teachers, nurses, health workers, council staff and retirees — have gone over one year without salaries and pensions after more than ₦130 billion in allocations meant for the state’s 30 local government areas was frozen by federal authorities.
The funds were withheld in March 2025 following a political dispute over the legitimacy of local government leadership after controversial council elections.
Workers Forced Into Debt and Hunger
Affected workers say they now survive on borrowing, family assistance and personal debts, while many can no longer meet basic needs.
> “We are working but not being paid. We borrow to eat. Some of us cannot feed our families anymore,” a council employee lamented.
Families are reportedly unable to pay rent, school fees or medical bills, while some children have dropped out of school.
Retirees, who rely solely on pensions, say the situation has left them destitute.
> “We served for years. Now we are abandoned. We depend on others to survive,” a retired worker said.
Political Crisis Behind the Freeze
The crisis began after disputed local government elections in February 2025 triggered a leadership conflict between officials aligned with Governor Ademola Adeleke and opposition figures.
Federal authorities froze the allocations, citing unresolved legal questions over which officials were legitimate custodians of council funds.
Supreme Court Ruling Ignored
In December 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that withholding the allocations was unconstitutional and ordered their release. However, the funds remain frozen months after the judgement.
The Osun State Government has repeatedly demanded the release of the money, warning that the situation has crippled grassroots administration and worsened economic hardship across communities.
No End in Sight
Workers say they have sold belongings, taken loans and accumulated debt simply to survive the past year.
> “We have no income for one year. We are suffering,” another worker said.
With no timeline for payment yet announced, thousands of public servants and retirees remain trapped in uncertainty.
