Hunpe Ousts Onilude’s Appointees in Badagry LG, Plans New Recruitment

Barely two months after assuming office, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the newly elected Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area, has initiated a sweeping staff overhaul that saw the dismissal of all non-pensionable employees recruited during the tenure of his predecessor, Hon. Olusegun Adeniran Onilude.

Validview confirms that affected staff members were served disengagement letters dated August 27, 2025, with immediate effect from August 29, 2025. These letters required the return of all government properties and equipment to the Administration/HR Department. The letters expressed gratitude for the workers’ service but offered no prior indication of dismissal, leaving many blindsided.

The mass sack impacted personnel from various council departments, including area offices, healthcare centres, and administrative units. Several of the dismissed staff had rendered over seven years of loyal service, harboring hopes for confirmation into pensionable positions—a promise that appears now unfulfilled. One affected worker lamented, “We believed governance is a continuum. Many of us have served loyally for years, waiting for confirmation. We never expected to be discarded like this.”

Political analysts and locals suggest the purge bears political undertones. Many of those terminated were reportedly loyalists and political appointees of former chairman Onilude, who allegedly played a key role in facilitating Hunpe’s rise to power. Ironically, these same workers now stand as the first casualties under the new administration.

Reports reveal that Chairman Hunpe has begun shortlisting fresh non-pensionable staff to fill the vacancies, a move that raises questions about the motivations behind the purge. Critics argue the action could exacerbate local unemployment and stir discontent among residents.

Attempts to contact the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Augustine Kriko, for comments were unsuccessful. However, Dr. Sewedo Olalekan, the Chairman’s Personal Secretary, stated, “These workers are non-pensionable and thus not bonded to the council. They can be disengaged at any time. Nonetheless, the Chairman intends to re-engage essential personnel from those dismissed, and some have already been reinstated.”

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Reactions from Badagry residents remain mixed. While some defend the Chairman’s legal prerogative to manage council staffing, others view the mass sack as a politically motivated purge that risks destabilizing peace and livelihoods. Political observers are keenly watching to see whether the reshuffle consolidates Hunpe’s control or backfires politically by alienating key groups.

As the new administration unfolds, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of the decision on Badagry’s governance and community stability.