Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared Friday, August 14, 2026, a work-free day for public service workers across the state to enable them prepare for and participate in Saturday’s governorship election.
The announcement was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, and released by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday.
According to the circular, the decision covers all categories of public workers. However, those engaged in emergency and essential duties are exempted and are expected to remain at their posts.
The government said the work-free day is intended to allow workers who need to travel to do so and to give them adequate time to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the August 15 election.
In a pre-election message to workers, Governor Adeleke urged public servants, their relatives and friends to turn out massively at the polls and defend their votes to ensure continuity of what he described as good governance in the state.
He praised organised labour and the workforce for their support during his administration, describing the relationship 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.
“We must remain strong in defence of our constitutional rights to vote and be voted for,” Adeleke said.
He added: “We must defend the gains of the last three and 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.”
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.