The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday evening removed Comrade Odion Olaye as its state chairman and appointed Comrade Bernard Joman as acting chairman.
This development, coming as Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration winds down, was confirmed following a decision by the State Executive Committee of the NLC, held at the Labour House in Benin City.
During the meeting, 27 out of 34 active affiliate unions endorsed the removal of Olaye, pending a fresh election to be conducted by the national leadership of the NLC.
According to Punch, Olaye, however, refuted the decision, asserting his continued leadership of the union.
He said, “There is nothing like that (removal). The NLC is not a small organisation that some people will just sit somewhere and decide.
“I remain the authentic NLC chairman in Edo State till 2027, nobody has changed me, nobody can go to the roadside and say they removed me, there is no truth in that. They are only trying to hide under the APC to do that.”
The Council of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, represented by Auchi Polytechnic’s Osahon Omole, read out reasons for Olaye’s removal.
He cited a court ruling that dismissed Olaye as the state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) due to non-compliance. Omole alleged that Olaye had failed to pay his union dues to the NURTW for over two decades.
A letter from the NURTW, dated November 4, 2024, and signed by the State Secretary, Godwin Aghimien, also supported Olaye’s removal. The letter detailed that Olaye had been recalled by the NURTW since 2023, with a caretaker committee established in his place.
The NLC leaders expressed concerns over Olaye’s alleged involvement in politics, which they believe compromises the union’s integrity.
“We cannot allow anybody to drag the name of the NLC into politics like was done in the immediate past,” the leaders said, stressing the importance of preserving the union’s independence.
The newly appointed acting chairman, Comrade Bernard Joman, pledged to restore the NLC’s dignity and prioritize the welfare of Edo State workers.