Edo NLC Crisis: Workers Denounce Olaye as Chairman, Warn NLC President Against Bias

By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja

Workers from 34 affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State have declared that Comrade Odion Olaye is no longer the state chairman of the NLC. They have also cautioned the NLC National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, to act with neutrality in the ongoing leadership dispute.

The Edo State Council of the NLC dismissed recent claims made by Olaye, describing him as an “erstwhile chairman” whose tenure had effectively ended following a vote of no confidence.

Speaking on the matter, the current chairman of the Edo NLC, Comrade Bernard Joman, disclosed that the vote of no confidence was passed by 34 out of the 37 affiliate unions during a state executive meeting at the Labour Secretariat.
Joman further explained that Olaye’s ousting was inevitable, citing his controversial tenure as the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), where he served for over 22 years without an election.

“Olaye has been removed, and a new chairman, Comrade Saturday Oamen, has been duly elected,” Joman stated.
Progress Under New Leadership
Joman highlighted significant progress made under the new leadership, including successful negotiations with the Edo State Government on the domestication of the ₦70,000 minimum wage. According to him, a committee is finalizing the documents that will serve as a template for the new salary structure.
He further accused Olaye of abandoning his responsibilities, claiming, “Mr. Olaye has been hiding in Abuja for over three months and lacks the constitutional authority to convene any state administrative or executive council meetings. His self-serving actions have undermined workers’ welfare in Edo State.”
The Edo NLC leadership urged the national leadership of the union to remain objective and avoid taking sides for personal gain.
“For the sake of clarity, Mr. Olaye should desist from parading himself as Edo NLC chairman. His actions are deceitful and capable of causing a breach of public peace,” the statement read.
The Edo NLC reassured workers that the new executive is committed to advancing the interests of workers and elevating Edo State’s standing within the labor movement nationwide.