By The Metro 
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared Friday, August 14, 2026, a work-free day for public service workers across the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The declaration was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina and posted by the Spokesperson to the state governor, the Olawale Rasheed on X on Wednesday.
According to the circular, the decision was taken to enable workers who need to travel to do so and prepare to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the election.
The government said all categories of workers are covered by the declaration, except those engaged in emergency and essential duties.
Meanwhile, Adeleke has urged Osun workers, their relatives and friends to turn out massively for the election and defend their votes to ensure continuity in the state.
In a pre-election message to workers, the governor commended the leadership of organised labour and workers for their support for his administration.
He also described the relationship between his administration and Osun workers as mutually beneficial.
“The time for action has come. As formal workers at state establishments, I task you to mobilise informal workers, artisans and professional bodies,” Adeleke said.
He urged workers and other residents to remain firm in defending their constitutional rights, adding that the election provided an opportunity to sustain the achievements of his administration.
“We must remain strong in defence of our constitutional rights to vote and be voted for,” he said.
The governor further appealed to the electorate to protect what he described as the gains recorded by his administration over the past three and a half years.
“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,” Adeleke said.