A fresh crisis has erupted within the labour movement in Lagos State following the rejection of an expulsion notice issued against Comrade Abiodun Aladetan and several executives of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
Aladetan, who reacted strongly to the communique released by the national leadership of the TUC, declared that he remained the duly elected Chairman of the TUC Lagos State Council and dismissed claims that he had been removed from office.
The communique, which was signed by the President of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, and the Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, announced the expulsion of Aladetan and 10 other officers and members across the Lagos State council over what it described as “flagrant disobedience” to the resolutions and decisions of the National Executive Council (NEC).
The development has sparked tension within labour circles in the state, with supporters of both factions expressing divergent views over the legitimacy of the action taken by the national leadership.
Reacting to the announcement, Aladetan insisted that he was not aware of any valid NEC meeting or decision that lawfully removed him as chairman of the Lagos State council.
According to him, the purported expulsion lacked due process and failed to comply with the constitutional procedures guiding the affairs of the congress.
He maintained that he remained the bona fide and duly elected chairman of the Lagos State council, stressing that no individual or group could arbitrarily terminate the mandate freely given to him by members of the congress.
Aladetan further argued that the state council under his leadership had continued to function effectively and remained committed to protecting the welfare and interests of workers across Lagos State.
The labour leader accused certain forces within the congress of attempting to destabilise the Lagos council through actions he described as politically motivated and contrary to democratic union principles.
He stated that members loyal to his leadership would continue to operate within the provisions of the union’s constitution while awaiting proper clarification on the issues surrounding the alleged expulsion.
Sources within the labour movement disclosed that disagreements had been brewing for months between some state executives and the national leadership over administrative decisions and internal union matters.
The latest development, observers say, may deepen divisions within the congress unless urgent reconciliation efforts are initiated by senior stakeholders in the labour movement.
Some union members who spoke on the matter expressed concern that the crisis could weaken the collective bargaining strength of organised labour in Lagos if not resolved quickly.
Others, however, backed the national leadership of the TUC, insisting that discipline and adherence to NEC resolutions were essential for maintaining order and unity within the congress.
Despite the controversy, Aladetan reiterated his commitment to the labour movement and vowed not to be intimidated by what he termed attempts to silence legitimate voices within the organisation.
He also called on members of the congress to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that appropriate steps would be taken to challenge the action through constitutional means.
Meanwhile, the national leadership of the TUC has yet to issue any further statement responding to Aladetan’s rejection of the expulsion notice.
Political and labour analysts believe the dispute may eventually require intervention from respected labour veterans and mediators to prevent further escalation.
The unfolding crisis has once again highlighted the internal tensions that occasionally surface within labour organisations, especially during periods of leadership disagreement and ideological differences.
As the controversy continues, many workers and union members in Lagos State are watching closely to see how both sides will navigate the dispute and whether peace can be restored within the state council of the congress.
