Adeleke declares Friday work-free ahead of Osun governorship poll

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared Friday, August 14, 2026, a work-free day for public service workers to enable them to participate in Saturday’s governorship election.

The declaration was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, and signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

The circular said the measure was aimed at allowing workers to travel where necessary and prepare to exercise their franchise.

According to the circular, the work-free day covers all categories of workers, except those engaged in emergency and essential duties.

Adeleke also urged workers, their relatives and friends to turn out en masse for the election and defend their votes to ensure continuity in what he described as good governance across the state.

In a pre-election message to workers, the governor appreciated labour leaders and workers for their support for his administration, describing the relationship between the government and workers 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.

“We must defend the gains of the last three and a half years. Ours is a worker-friendly government which has delivered across the board to labour and Osun people. We cannot and must not allow a return to dark days,” Adeleke stated.