The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has criticized Governor Seyi Makinde over industrial disputes involving medical and dental officers and university lecturers, promising improved workers’ welfare if elected in 2027.
Alli said his administration would prioritize the prompt payment of salaries, allowances and other entitlements, arguing that workers should not have to embark on strikes before their grievances receive attention.
His comments came amid industrial action by medical and dental officers employed by the Oyo State Government and an indefinite strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso branch.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organization, Bisi Oladele, the APC candidate described the disputes as troubling, warning that the disruptions could worsen existing challenges in healthcare delivery and education.
Alli Questions Makinde’s Handling of Workers’ Grievances
The campaign organization faulted the state government for allowing disagreements over outstanding allowances and the implementation of the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement to escalate into industrial action.
It said the demands of the medical and dental officers included payment of outstanding allowances and the restoration of salaries for personnel transferred from field assignments to the Ministry of Health.
For the LAUTECH lecturers, the issues reportedly include the implementation of the agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU, outstanding entitlements such as promotion arrears, and the provision of essential facilities.
Alli accused Makinde of failing to give sufficient attention to the disputes, alleging that the governor’s political activities and presidential ambition were distracting him from urgent responsibilities in Oyo State.
The APC candidate argued that the government should focus on resolving the grievances of workers whose services are essential to the wellbeing and development of residents.
Patients and Students Bear the Brunt
The campaign organization warned that prolonged industrial action could have serious consequences for ordinary residents who depend on public hospitals for affordable healthcare.
It expressed concern about the potential impact on pregnant women, children, pensioners and low-income families who may struggle to access private medical services during disruptions.
It also raised concerns about the effect of the lecturers’ strike on students at LAUTECH, particularly those whose academic activities could be delayed.
The organization urged the state government to intensify negotiations with the affected workers and make emergency arrangements to protect patients requiring urgent and life-saving treatment.
It also appealed to the striking medical personnel and lecturers to remain open to meaningful dialogue while acknowledging their right to pursue legitimate employment demands through lawful means.
Alli Promises Prompt Payment and Better Facilities
Outlining his plans for the state, Alli pledged that an administration under his leadership would place workers’ welfare, healthcare and education at the centre of its policies.
He promised timely payment of salaries and allowances, constructive engagement with health professionals, and investment in modern equipment and essential facilities in public hospitals.
The candidate also said improving working conditions would be important to strengthening public services and ensuring that residents receive better healthcare and educational opportunities.
His campaign organization maintained that workers’ entitlements should be treated as a government responsibility rather than issues that require repeated industrial action to resolve.
The dispute has added to political debate in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with workers’ welfare, public healthcare and education emerging as important campaign issues.
Alli’s promises, however, remain campaign commitments, while the resolution of the current disputes depends on negotiations and the fulfilment of agreements between the state government and the affected workers.
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