By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared Friday, August 14, 2026, a work-free day for public service workers across the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
This directive was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, and posted by the Spokesperson to the state governor, Olawale Rasheed, on X on Wednesday, August 11.
The circular noted that the decision was taken to enable workers who need to travel to do so and prepare to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the election.
The government said all categories of workers are covered by the work-free day declaration, except those engaged in emergency and essential duties.
Meanwhile, Adeleke has urged Osun workers, their relatives and friends to turn out en masse for the election and defend their votes to ensure continuity in the state.
In a pre-election message to workers, the governor commended the leadership of organised labour and workers for their support for his administration.
He also described the relationship between his administration and Osun workers as mutually beneficial.
“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 urged workers and other residents to remain firm in defending their constitutional rights, adding that the election provided an opportunity to sustain the achievements of his administration.
The governor further appealed to the electorate to protect what he described as the gains recorded by his administration over the past three and a half years.
“We must defend the gains of the last three and a 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.
The governorship election in the state is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, and has 15 political parties jostling for the state’s governorship seat to manage the state’s affairs for the next four years.
