Ogun NCSU Crisis: Present your Evidences, Unit Chairman Challenges Frm. Vice Chairman, Dismisses Claims
The Ogun State Council of the Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU) has been plunged into internal controversy following a series of allegations made by the State Former Vice Chairman, Comrade Oke Oluwaseun, against the State Chairman, Comrade Ismail Oladipupo Sanyaolu.
Comrade Oke accused the Chairman of gross misappropriation of workers’ dues, abuse of power, and irregularities in the running of the union. The allegations have generated heated discussions among members and stakeholders, raising concerns about the integrity of the leadership of one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected workers’ unions.
Reacting to the claims, Comrade Babatunde Ibrahim, Unit Chairman of the Bureau of Establishments and Training, described the accusations as unfounded, malicious, and politically motivated. He emphasized that Comrade Sanyaolu has consistently demonstrated dedication to the welfare of Ogun State workers and has enjoyed the trust of union members throughout his tenure.
“As a comrade who has been closely following developments in our union even before I became Unit Chairman, I can say with confidence that the current Chairman is committed, transparent, and people-oriented,” Ibrahim said. “It is unfortunate that false allegations are being used as a political weapon ahead of union elections.”
Negligence Allegations Against the Former Vice Chairman
Ibrahim further criticized the Former Vice Chairman’s leadership record, noting that since assuming office alongside Comrade Sanyaolu, Comrade Oke had chaired numerous committees established by the Ogun State Council.
According to Ibrahim, none of these committees achieved their intended objectives, which he attributed to Oke’s negligence and lack of commitment.
Challenge to Provide Evidence
"On the allegation of misappropriation of union funds, I, Ibrahim issued a direct challenge to Oke to submit verifiable evidence to the State Secretariat", he stated
He stressed that making unfounded accusations solely to discredit colleagues and influence elections is contrary to the spirit of unionism and could trigger constitutional disciplinary measures.
He warned that under sections 117, 120, and 125(a) of the Nigerian Criminal Code, giving false information with the intent to implicate someone in a serious offense is a criminal act punishable by imprisonment — in some cases up to life imprisonment if it involves capital crimes.
Addressing Oke’s claims regarding the last State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, Ibrahim explained that the meeting was properly constituted and attended by over 115 out of the 150 SEC members, thereby exceeding the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds quorum.
He stressed that, in line with the NCSU constitution, the prerogative to convene SEC meetings lies solely with the State Chairman, with the support of the State Secretary — a position appointed by the national body and not subject to state elections.
Filling of Vacant Union Positions and Auditor’s Role
"Following the death of the former State Treasurer, Late Comrade Tajudeen Sorinmade, the SEC — during a December 19, 2024 meeting attended by Oke and other State Administrative Council (SAC) members — approved the movement of the then State Auditor, Comrade Oloyede Oluwaseun Samuel, to the position of Treasurer in recognition of his accounting expertise.
"Before this appointment was made, the honorarium of the late Treasurer, Comrade Sorinmade, had been fully paid to his family in appreciation of his service to the union.
"This move left the position of State Auditor vacant. The decision to make the then State Auditor, Comrade Oloyede Oluwaseun Samuel, a signatory to the union’s accounts had been conceived during a SEC meeting in June 2023 and was finally ratified at the July 31, 2025 SEC meeting.
"At that July meeting — attended by over 115 SEC members — Comrade Omoyele Folashade, Unit Vice Chairman at the Ministry of Health, was unanimously elected as the new State Auditor", he said
Ibrahim criticized Oke for either being unaware of these developments or deliberately ignoring them, despite his position as State Vice Chairman. He noted that the union’s constitutional procedure requires such appointments to receive prior approval from the national headquarters in Abuja before being ratified by the SEC.
He reiterated his call for Oke to present credible evidence to support his allegations or withdraw them entirely.
The Unit Chairman, however, warned that failure to do so could lead to disciplinary action within the union and criminal prosecution under Nigerian law.
“Our union’s reputation must not be sacrificed for personal ambition,” Ibrahim cautioned. “If anyone has genuine grievances, the proper channel is to present them with evidence to the Secretariat, not to engage in reckless accusations that undermine unity and trust”, he concluded.
The development underscores growing tensions within the Ogun State Council of the NCSU ahead of the next leadership elections, with members watching closely to see how the allegations — and counter-allegations — will be resolved.
