Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
With just two days left before Osun State's high-stakes governorship election, Governor Ademola Adeleke has moved to ensure that public servants are not disenfranchised by their duties, declaring Friday, August 14, 2026, a work-free day for all categories of state workers. The directive, contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, and posted by the governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday, covers all public service employees except those engaged in emergency and essential services. The decision, according to the circular, is aimed at enabling workers to travel where necessary and make adequate preparations to exercise their constitutional right to vote in Saturday's election.
The work-free declaration is the latest in a series of strategic moves by the governor as he seeks re-election on the platform of the Accord Party against a field of 14 other candidates, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenger, Bola Oyebamiji. Adeleke, who has consistently portrayed his administration as labour-friendly, used the opportunity to issue a passionate call to action, urging Osun workers and their families to turn out en masse and "defend their votes" to ensure the continuity of his administration's policies. "The time for action has come," Adeleke said in a pre-election message to workers. "As formal workers at state establishments, I task you to mobilise informal workers, artisans and professional bodies. We must remain strong in defence of our constitutional rights to vote and be voted for."
The governor commended the leadership of organised labour and workers for their steadfast support over the past three and a half years, describing the relationship between his administration and Osun workers as "mutually beneficial." He also framed the election as a battle to protect what he called the "gains" of his tenure against a return to what he described as "dark days." "Ours is a workers-friendly government which has delivered across board to labour and Osun people. We cannot and must not allow a return to dark days," Adeleke declared. The statement was a clear reference to the administration of his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, whom he defeated in the 2022 election.
The work-free day comes against the backdrop of a tense and often violent campaign period. Osun State has recorded multiple incidents of political violence, including the deaths of at least 12 APC supporters in less than 24 hours, according to party sources, and a viral video of Senator Francis Fadahunsi allegedly urging supporters to "kill" Accord Party members. The police have since summoned the senator for questioning, while human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has petitioned the US, UK, and Canada to impose visa bans on him. The election has also been marked by allegations of police harassment and intimidation of opposition supporters, with the Imole Campaign Council accusing security forces of targeting its members.
The governor's decision to declare Friday a work-free day is therefore not just a logistical convenience but a calculated political move to maximise voter turnout among public servants, a demographic that traditionally leans towards the ruling party. By giving workers time to travel and prepare, Adeleke is effectively ensuring that his base has every opportunity to show up at the polls. The move also underscores the high stakes of the election, which is being closely watched as a bellwether for the 2027 general elections.
As Osun State prepares for the August 15 poll, the work-free declaration has been met with approval from labour unions, who have called on workers to take full advantage of the day to vote. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have both endorsed the governor's directive, urging their members to participate actively in the electoral process. However, critics have accused Adeleke of using the work-free day to mobilise state resources for his campaign, a charge his administration has denied.
For the people of Osun, Friday is not just a day off work—it is a day to decide the direction of their state for the next four years. And as Adeleke himself put it, the time for action has come.
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