By Darasimi Kikelomo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has alleged that the Edo State Government is plotting to disrupt the inauguration of its Caretaker Committee scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, in Benin City, warning that the state governor would be held personally responsible for any harm to its members.
In a strongly worded statement issued by NLC’s Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the Congress expressed “dismay” over alleged attempts by government-backed groups to seize control of the state council and interfere in labour affairs.
“We are dismayed by the hostile behaviour of the governor and want to state unambiguously that we shall personally hold him responsible if any of the caretaker committee members or those assigned to inaugurate them come to harm,” Upah said.
The crisis follows the controversial removal of Odion Olaye, the democratically elected chairperson of the Edo State Council of the NLC. According to the Congress, Olaye’s ouster was orchestrated by “government-backed forces” led by Bernard Jormah after the state governor reportedly refused to work with him. Following failed reconciliation efforts facilitated by a joint committee of the NLC and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, the Congress dissolved the entire state council and installed a caretaker committee to oversee affairs pending fresh elections.
Since the constitution of the caretaker committee, the NLC claims, Edo State authorities have not only withheld keys to the state secretariat in Benin City but also issued threats to committee members and national officers sent to inaugurate them.
“This contravenes ILO instruments and labour law provisions which clearly state that governments or employers must not interfere in the internal operations of trade unions,” the NLC noted.
The union has also called on security agencies to take note of what it described as the “sinister motives” of the state government.
“We equally by this statement publicly wish to inform the police and the DSS of the sinister motives and plans of the governor of Edo State,” Upah warned.
The Congress criticized the governor’s alleged stance as a betrayal of Edo State’s proud labour history, recalling the legacies of legendary figures like Pa Michael Imoudu, known as “Labour Leader No. 1,” and former NLC president Adams Oshiomhole, who later became governor of the state.
“Edo State in modern times, starting with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has led the pack of other states in paying the best wages across the country without pressure. We are therefore at a loss where this governor is coming from,” the statement said.
The NLC concluded by advising the governor to “steer clear of internal labour governance” and focus instead on his duties to the state.
“We do not take instructions from him. A word is enough for the wise,” Upah declared.
