Aregbesola did not pay Osun civil servants half salaries — ADC chairman

The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Alhaji Issa Adesiji Azeez, defended the salary arrangement that was implemented during former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration, arguing that civil servants did not receive half salaries as has been widely reported.

Azeez spoke on Monday as a guest on the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Guest Platform. He discussed a range of topics, including the state’s economic history, security, employment, and the upcoming August 15 2026 governorship election.

Regarding the salary crisis that occurred during Aregbesola’s tenure, Azeez said the government faced severe economic challenges but was determined to avoid laying off civil servants. He explained that a committee was formed to find a solution acceptable to both the government and labour representatives.

The committee was chaired by Hassan Sunmonu. On the government side, former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola served as Chief of Staff to Rauf Aregbesola, while APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji was also a member.

According to Azeez, the committee decided against terminating any civil servant. Workers on Grade Levels 1 to 7 received their full salaries, those on Grade Levels 8 to 12 received three‑quarters of their salaries, and workers on Grade Level 13 and above—including politicians—received half salaries.

Azeez maintained that describing the arrangement as “half salaries” was inaccurate, stating it was a salary modulation agreed upon by stakeholders. “Aregbesola did not pay half salary but modulated salary as agreed by the civil servants,” he said.

The former Ilesa West local government council area chairman also noted that Aregbesola’s decision helped preserve jobs during the economic downturn and highlighted that the former governor continued to pay an additional month’s salary despite the state’s financial difficulties.

On the ADC’s relationship with Aregbesola’s political movement, the party chairman said the goal was to demonstrate the former governor’s political value and influence. “For the whole world to know Aregbesola’s worth and the worth of his followers,” he said.

Addressing the challenges facing Osun State, Azeez identified insecurity as the most pressing issue. “Security threat is the biggest challenge facing Osun State. The lives of youths are very paramount to the ADC,” he said.

The ADC chairman expressed confidence that his party would win the August 15 governorship election and urged all political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the poll. “Politics is like trading. The political parties should allow the people to decide peacefully. We are not for violence but we are bringing peace to the state. We appeal to both camps to emulate the ADC. You will never see any ADC member attacking anybody. We are lawful people and we are going to maintain it,” he said.

Commenting on the relationship between former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and President Bola Tinubu, Azeez said Aregbesola had been active in politics before President Tinubu and had played significant roles in the President’s political journey. He added that any differences between the two leaders should be left with God.

He criticized the economic reforms of the current administration, describing their impact on citizens as unfavorable, and noted that the ADC has reserved 35 percent of opportunities for youths and another 35 percent for women.