*Governor Adeleke/Labor Union Leadership Conspiracy of Withdrawal of Services, to Whose Advantage and/or Disadvantage?* PART I In the history of Ogbomoso series of events led to Ogunlola demystifying Elemoso who was a dreaded invisible character reminiscent to Shekahu the late leader of Boko Haram in Nigeria. In an open physical confrontation Ogunlola forced the hitherto dreaded and invincible man to become visible. On the eve of their physical battle in the jungle, a spectacular event unfolded. Elemoso was quoted as saying emphatically to Ogunlola, "Ogunlola o! Ogunlola o! Beware, for the people of Oyo are pushing you into a self-destructive mission." Akoni Oodua, in this same light, I would warn the leadership of NLC/NULGE of Osun against permitting the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke to maneuver them recklessly into calamitous positions. At this critical juncture of the ongoing political logjam over LG councils, they must proceed with caution and be guided by the sage advice that when two elephants engage in fights, it is the grass that suffers. In this scenario, APC and PDP are the elephants, while the Labour Unions are the grass. In the present circumstances, Governor Adeleke has only two options to resolve the issues at hand, which can be compared to being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. The first option involves resolving the issues through the application of law, while the second option is a political solution. It is unfortunate that neither option is advantageous to the Local Government council staff who are bond to suffer big. *Judicial Resolution:* Should the governor consider employing legal channels to resolve this issue at this juncture, it will potentially subject the local government to hardship. Pending resolution of the status of the two claimants to the council seat, the FG Allocation to councils in the state may be suspended, possibly extending beyond the current administration. The severe implications for local government staff especially those who are not in the union’s leadership ranks need not be emphasized. The union leaders needs not worry in their own case. After all, the government is allegedly lining their pockets regularly since they withdrew their services. Political Solution The opportunity to explore this option has also been lost due to the governor's carelessness, poor crisis management skills, and inexperience. Like a bull in a china shop, the governor has been needlessly confrontational with everyone, including those who will decide his fate in this matter. Local Government Financial Autonomy: The Federal Government, to ensure the effectiveness of this policy, has established a robust committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr. Akume. The committee comprises Messrs. Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Wale Edun, Minister of Finance, Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation, Olayemi Cardoso, CBN Governor, Minister for Budget and Planning, a representative of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, and a representative of the local government in Nigeria . Regrettably, Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has been in conflict with almost all these individuals during the ongoing dispute over the local councils. Consequently, any consideration of a political solution to the problems on the ground is foreclosed for him. As previously noted, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Attorney General had specifically advised and pleaded with the Governor to adopt a conciliatory approach, but he elected not to listen. Similarly, the NSA had also made a comparable appeal to him through the Inspector General of Police, but the Governor refused to yield. As a result, he acted recklessly and now faces the repercussions of his actions at this critical juncture. *Ti o ba koju si e k’o ta. Ti o ba ko eyin si e ki o ta. Amo sa ti o ba ku iwo nikan ki o tun ero re pa.* This one goes to the Osun Labour Union leadership. They need wisdom to navigate through at this time _When you're faced with a challenge, you must confront it. When you're faced with a river, you must find a way to cross it. But when you're faced with death, apply wisdom._ To Governor Ademola Adeleke….. _"If you're not strong, don't carry a load. If you're not a bird, don't try to fly. It's only when you're dead that you'll be carried by others."_ _This proverb emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, humility, and recognizing one's limitations. It cautions against taking on responsibilities or tasks that are beyond one's capabilities, lest you suffer the consequences._ _In essence, the proverb encourages you to know your strengths and weaknesses, and to be mindful of your limitations. It's only when you're humble and acknowledge your weaknesses that you can ask for help and support from others._ *Akin Adeyi* Akoni Oodua Ayeniromo Capone de Tutti 1/03/2025 Watch out for Part II