Workers of Ibadan West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Ibadan North-West Local Government, both in Ibadan metropolis, were not allowed into the council secretariats on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workers were locked out, following the directive by the state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) that they should stay away from duty.
NAN reports that the entrance gate to Ibadan North-West council was under lock and key, while workers were seen in groups discussing the development outside the council premises.
Also, the personnel of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were ground to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
NAN recalls that the state NULGE President, Mr Bayo Titilola-Sodo and the Secretary, Chuks Nwankwo, had, on Jan. 25, directed their members to stay away from work with effect from Jan. 27 until further notice.
The union said that all offices and entrances to the council secretariats should be locked to ensure peace, safety, and security in the workplaces.
Mr Mogaji Ajadi, the Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan North-West Local Government council, said that the security men did not allow anybody to enter into the council secretariat.
Ajadi said: “The police said they have not received signal to allow the elected officials to return to their offices,” adding also that the workers were also on ‘self-imposed strike’.
Another person, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said “we were told that the local government secretariats in Ogbomoso were open and that the elected chairmen were allowed into their offices, wondering why those in Ibadan were under lock and key.
The Gov. Seyi Makinde-led administration had announced the sack of the council chairmen elected under the administration of former Gov. Abiola Ajimobi shortly after his inauguration on May 29, 2019.
Makinde later appointed caretaker chairmen for all the 33 local government councils and 35 local council development areas (LCDAs) in the state, a development that had since become a subject of controversy.
