Joint Labour Movement halts planned bank picketing after DSS brokers dialogue over local government funds dispute.
The Joint Labour Movement in Osun State has suspended its planned picketing of commercial bank branches in Osogbo, following a mediation by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The decision was announced in a joint statement signed by Christopher Arapasopo (NLC Chairman), Bimbo Fasasi (TUC Chairman), and Lekan Adediran (JNC Chairman), after a meeting with bank representatives facilitated by the DSS.
Background to the Dispute
The labour movement had earlier directed members to mobilise for peaceful industrial action beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in protest over issues relating to local government funds.
According to the statement, the directive followed resolutions reached at meetings of the State Administrative Council and State Executive Council held on March 17 at the Labour House, Osogbo.
However, after extensive deliberations during the DSS-mediated engagement, both parties agreed to suspend the planned picketing.
One-Week Dialogue Window
The statement noted that both sides agreed to engage in robust discussions to resolve the local government funds dispute within one week, from March 23 to 30, 2026.
The suspension will last for the same period to allow room for dialogue and possible resolution of the issues in contention.
The movement reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, economic justice, and social progress, expressing optimism that the dialogue would yield positive outcomes.
APC Raises Security Alert
Ahead of the planned protest, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State had on Saturday placed security agencies on alert, warning of possible disruptions to public order.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party urged authorities to take proactive measures to maintain peace in Osogbo.
The APC alleged that the demonstration was being organised by leaders of the Joint Labour Movement, including officials of the NLC and TUC, over the ongoing local government funding dispute.