Hunpe Sacks Non-Pensionable Staff in Badagry Council
By Daniji Emmanuel
The Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has removed all non-pensionable workers employed during the time of his predecessor, Hon. Olusegun Onilude.
The affected staff received disengagement letters dated August 27, 2025, and were asked to stop work from Friday, August 29. They were also directed to hand over government property in their possession to the Admin and HR Department.
The letter thanked the workers for their service and assured them of possible opportunities in the future.
The sack cut across departments — area offices, health centres, and other units. Some of the affected staff had served for more than seven years and had been expecting confirmation into pensionable roles.
Many of them expressed shock and disappointment over the development. According to one aggrieved worker, “We believed governance is a continuum. Many of us have served loyally for years, waiting to be confirmed. We never imagined we would be thrown out this way.”
The move has stirred political talks in Badagry. Most of the disengaged staff were said to be loyalists of the immediate past chairman, Onilude, who reportedly played a role in Hunpe’s emergence.
Findings also show that Hunpe has already started shortlisting new non-pensionable staff, raising questions about the real motive behind the action.
Reacting to the matter, the Chairman’s Personal Secretary, Dr. Sewedo Olalekan, explained that the workers were non-pensionable and could be disengaged at any time. He added that some essential workers among those sacked have already been re-engaged.
The decision has divided opinions in Badagry. While some argue that Hunpe acted within his powers as council chairman, others see it as a political purge that may increase unemployment and cause more discontent in the area.
Observers believe the coming weeks will show whether the move weakens Hunpe’s image or helps him tighten control by rewarding loyal supporters with new appointments.
