By FLORENCE ONUEGBU

Mr Abiodun Aladetan has insisted that he is the duly elected Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Council.

Aladetan, in a statement made available in Lagos on Wednesday, said that he was not aware of any valid National Executive Council (NEC) decision removing him from office.

He said that he was elected chairman on Sept. 18, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, by accredited delegates from the 29 affiliate unions of the congress.

According to him, his emergence as chairman followed due process and complied with the constitution of the congress.

He said that there was an unconstitutional attempt by the TUC President, Mr Festus Osifo, and the Secretary-General, Mr Nuhu Toro, to replace him with an individual who did not contest for the chairmanship position.

Aladetan said that the individual obtained nomination forms for the office of secretary and was elected into that position.

“The election that produced me was in accordance with the guidelines issued by Comrade Nuhu Toro, on behalf of the National body of TUC.

“As a law-abiding trade unionist, I have faith in constitutional order, due process and the rule of law, rather than the rule of man,” he said.

Aladetan disclosed that he had approached the National Industrial Court, Lagos Division, to determine the matter in Suit No. NICN/LA/129/2026, between Abiodun Aladetan and Festus Osifo and four others.

He expressed confidence in the judicial process and urged members of the public, affiliates, labour stakeholders and the media to disregard contrary claims regarding the leadership of the Lagos council.

“The matter is now properly before the Court of Justice, and I have absolute confidence in the integrity and independence of the judicial process.

“I am the validly elected Chairman of the Lagos Council of the Trade Union Congress,” Aladetan said.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to peace, due process and internal democracy within the congress.

“My mandate is drawn from a democratic process. In view of this, I wish to urge members of the public, affiliates, comrades, and the media to discountenance anything to the contrary,” Aladetan said.

He acknowledged the contributions of past TUC leaders, including Peter Esele, Quadri Olaleye and Bobboi Kaigama, to the growth of the organisation. (NAN)