Ahead of the Osun 2027 governorship election, the State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared Friday, August 14, 2026, a work-free day for public servants across the state.
The announcement was shared on X on Wednesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and formally detailed in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina.
According to the circular, the holiday is intended to enable civil servants who need to travel to do so and prepare to exercise their civic duty at the polls.
The state government noted that the declaration applies to all categories of public workers, excluding those assigned to essential services and critical duties.
Adeleke has urged Osun workers, along with their families and friends, to turn out in large numbers to vote and actively safeguard their ballots to ensure state stability.
In a pre-election message, the governor expressed appreciation to organized labor leadership and the workforce for their continued backing of his administration.
He also emphasized that his administration and Osun public servants share a strong, mutually beneficial relationship.
“The time for action has come. As formal workers at state establishments, I task you to mobilise informal workers, artisans and professional bodies,” Adeleke said.
He said that the election offered a chance to maintain the accomplishments of his government and asked employes and other citizens to continue standing out for their constitutional rights.
The governor also urged voters to preserve what he called his administration’s accomplishments over the last three and a half years.
“We must defend the gains of the last three and half years plus. 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 said.
Backstory…
The declaration comes as Osun heads into the final days before Osun 2027 election amid heightened political tension and a series of controversies that have dominated the last week of the campaign.
The period has been marked by reports of political violence, allegations of intimidation and threats, as well as the controversial intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the state’s finances.
The political atmosphere was further strained by allegations of threats and incitement. A viral video allegedly showed APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi making comments interpreted as calling for violence against Accord Party members in Ilesa.
Fadahunsi denied inciting violence, while Adeleke called for his arrest and investigation. The National Human Rights Commission also called for action over the remarks.
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