Osun Governor Adeleke Announces Friday Public Holiday Ahead of Governorship Election

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has designated Friday, August 14, 2026, as a non-working day for all public service employees across the state. This directive comes in anticipation of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday. The announcement was officially communicated through a circular issued by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, and subsequently shared on X by Olawale Rasheed, the governor's spokesperson, on Wednesday.

The circular clarified that this decision aims to facilitate workers' travel arrangements and allow them adequate time to prepare for exercising their constitutional right to vote in the upcoming election. The state government confirmed that this work-free day applies to all categories of civil servants, with the exception of those engaged in emergency and essential service duties.

In a related development, Governor Adeleke appealed to Osun workers, along with their families and acquaintances, to turn out in large numbers for the election. He urged them to actively defend their ballots to ensure the continuity of his administration in the state. Addressing workers in a pre-election message, the governor lauded the leadership of organized labour and the entire workforce for their steadfast support throughout his tenure.

He further characterized the relationship between his government and the Osun workforce as one of mutual benefit. Governor Adeleke stated, "The time for action has come. As formal workers at state establishments, I task you to mobilise informal workers, artisans and professional bodies."

He also implored workers and other residents to remain resolute in safeguarding their constitutional rights, emphasizing that the election presents a crucial opportunity to uphold the achievements recorded by his administration. "We must remain strong in defence of our constitutional rights to vote and be voted for," the governor asserted.

Furthermore, Adeleke implored the electorate to protect what he described as the progress made by his government over the past three and a half years. He concluded, "We must defend the gains of the last three and half years plus. Ours is a workers-friendly government which has delivered across board to labour and Osun people. We cannot and must not allow a return to dark days."