Mr. Abiodun Aladetan has reaffirmed that he remains the legitimately elected Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Council, amid a leadership dispute involving the national body.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, Aladetan insisted that he is unaware of any valid National Executive Council (NEC) decision removing him from office. He was elected chairman on September 18, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, by accredited delegates from the 29 affiliate unions of TUC.
Aladetan alleged that TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary-General Nuhu Toro attempted to install a replacement who had not contested the chairmanship election. “The election that produced me followed the guidelines issued by Comrade Nuhu Toro on behalf of the national body,” he said.
The Lagos TUC chairman has now approached the National Industrial Court, Lagos Division, in Suit No. NICN/LA/129/2026, to have the matter judicially determined. He expressed confidence in the integrity and independence of the judicial process and urged the public, affiliates, labour stakeholders, and media to disregard contrary claims regarding his leadership.
“I am the validly elected Chairman of the Lagos Council of the Trade Union Congress. My mandate is rooted in democratic processes, and I remain committed to peace, due process, and internal democracy within the congress,” Aladetan said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of past TUC leaders, including Peter Esele, Quadri Olaleye, and Bobboi Kaigama, to the growth and development of the organisation.
