Workers of the Ondo State Electricity Board (OSEB) have staged a protest over alleged interference in the administration of the board, calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene in the matter.

The workers, drawn from the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASGOC) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services, staged the protest at the OSEB premises in Alagbaka, Akure.

The demonstration centred on concerns surrounding the leadership of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources under Commissioner Alabi Johnson.

‘Terrorist Attack?’ – Police Explain Security Operation At Asaba Airport

During the protest, the workers displayed placards bearing messages including “We Want Justice” and “Say No to Political Gladiators,” while also calling for improved welfare and better working conditions.

The protesters expressed concern over what they described as attempts to interfere with the administration of the electricity board.

They particularly alleged moves to remove the General Manager of OSEB, Mr Olabanji Akindolani, and replace him with Mr Williams Abe.

According to the workers, such a move could negatively affect the stability of the board and undermine effective administration if not handled in accordance with established procedures.

O — Ondo Workers Demand Due Process at OSEB

The SSASGOC State General Chairman, Comrade Adebayo Oluwosefunmi, appealed to Governor Aiyedatiwa to investigate the allegations and ensure that leadership appointments at OSEB are based on competence, professionalism and due process.

He stressed the need for the state government to examine the concerns raised by the workers and take steps to prevent actions that could create instability within the organisation.

The workers maintained that their protest was aimed at drawing attention to issues they considered important to the effective running of the state-owned electricity institution.

They also linked their concerns to workers’ welfare, insisting that employees should be given an environment conducive to productivity and professional service.

Speaking separately, the OSEB Labour Leader, Comrade Isaac Olowolafe, said the workers’ grievances were not politically motivated.

Olowolafe explained that the protest was primarily about justice, fairness, adherence to due process and the preservation of industrial harmony within the board.

He called for social dialogue and mutual respect between the relevant parties as a means of resolving the disagreement.

The labour leader also appealed to the state government to protect the office of the General Manager from what the workers consider undue interference.

The development comes amid the importance of stable administration in public institutions responsible for critical services.

For the protesting workers, maintaining a clear administrative structure and ensuring that leadership decisions follow established procedures are essential to the continued effectiveness of OSEB.

They argued that uncertainty over the leadership of the board could affect workers’ morale and the smooth running of its operations.

The unions therefore urged the state government to engage with the affected parties and find a resolution that would address their concerns without escalating tensions.

The call for dialogue also reflects the workers’ stated desire to preserve industrial peace while ensuring that their demands are properly considered by the authorities.

As the controversy continues, attention is now focused on the response of Governor Aiyedatiwa and the state government to the allegations raised by the electricity workers.

The protesters are seeking an investigation into the matter, adherence to due process in leadership decisions and measures to safeguard workers’ welfare and industrial harmony at the Ondo State Electricity Board.