Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has fixed October 29, 2026, for the hearing of a suit challenging the suspension of the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Council, Biodun Aladetan, by the union's national leadership. The matter, marked NICN/LA/129/2026, came up before the court last Thursday, 9 July 2026, but was adjourned to enable the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the claimant's counsel.
During the proceedings, the court also directed that the alleged harassment and intimidation of Aladetan by the national leadership of the congress should cease pending the determination of the case. Aladetan's counsel, Joseph Opute, had informed the court that his client had been subjected to harassment and intimidation, including through the deployment of operatives of the State Security Service.
Aladetan was suspended in February 2026 by the TUC National Administrative Council over allegations of anti-union activities, insubordination, and conduct allegedly capable of bringing the congress into disrepute. He is, however, challenging the legality of the disciplinary action before the court. In the originating summons, the claimant is asking the court to declare his suspension unlawful, null and void. He is also seeking an order reinstating him as Chairman of the Lagos State Council and restraining the TUC national leadership from appointing a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the council while the suit is pending.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Aladetan's counsel argued that the suspension violated the provisions of the union's constitution and failed to comply with the principles of due process and fair hearing. According to Opute, the disciplinary action taken against his client was unconstitutional and should be set aside by the court. He also alleged that his client had been subjected to harassment and intimidation through the deployment of operatives of the State Security Service.
In a previous interview with Vanguard in May 2026, Aladetan declared that he remains the duly elected chairman of the Lagos State Council, dismissing reports suggesting his removal from office. Aladetan stated that he was unaware of any valid National Executive Council (NEC) decision or lawful pronouncement removing him as chairman of the Lagos council of the union. According to him, his emergence as chairman followed due process and complied fully with the constitution of the congress. He explained that he was elected on September 18, 2025, by accredited delegates from the 29 affiliate unions of the congress during an election held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Yaba, Lagos. He alleged that what was currently playing out was an unconstitutional attempt by the President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, and the Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, to replace him with another individual who, according to him, did not contest for the office of chairman.
Aladetan had earlier rejected the notice of expulsion placed on him and other executives by the TUC National Executive Council. In a statement in May 2026, he said he was not aware of any valid NEC decision removing him as the Chairman of TUC Lagos State council. He added that the matter was now properly before the National Industrial Court and expressed confidence in the integrity and independence of the judicial process.
The leadership dispute is part of a wider crisis within the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. In May 2026, the TUC National Executive Council, during an emergency meeting in Lagos, expelled 11 members and suspended 14 others for two years over allegations of misconduct and defiance of union directives. Among those expelled were Aladetan and three other members from the Lagos State Council. The affected officials were accused of violating union resolutions and engaging in conduct deemed harmful to the unity and discipline of the organisation. However, the decision has triggered sharp resistance, particularly in Lagos State, where the state council has rejected the sanctions and described them as unconstitutional. Labour observers warn that the crisis could test the TUC's internal democratic structures and further intensify debates over discipline, leadership authority, and constitutional compliance within organised labour in Nigeria.
The National Industrial Court has adjourned the matter to October 29, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice. Until then, the court has directed that all forms of harassment and intimidation against Aladetan should cease. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for the leadership of the Lagos State Council of the TUC and the broader internal dynamics of the congress.
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