Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has suspended all union activities at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, threatening staff with salary deductions under the "No Work, No Pay" policy if they fail to resume duties immediately.

The directive, conveyed in a statement by the institution's spokesman, Olumide Olugosi, on Wednesday, also suspended Union leadership from official engagements pending an administrative review. Management directed all staff to return to work immediately, warning that the measure was necessary to protect the academic calendar.

"In line with the government's directive, Management wishes to inform members of the polytechnic community that the activities of staff unions within the Institution have been suspended until further notice," the statement read.

The development follows a prolonged industrial dispute over the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage for polytechnic staff. Workers under the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics had been pressing the Aiyedatiwa administration to harmonise salary structures in line with the new wage floor.

Last week, the governor constituted a five member committee to review the implementation of the minimum wage at the institution. The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Olaolu Akindolire.

Union members have pushed back against the suspension order. A member of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, who spoke anonymously, described the governor's directive as an abuse of power.

"It is surprising that the governor will wake and ally with the management to suspend union activities. This is a draconian decision. We reject it, and we shall resist every attempt to silence our voices for demanding what is right," the member said.

Management maintained that the suspension was aimed at restoring stability and ensuring institutional continuity, while reaffirming its commitment to engagement with relevant stakeholders.

The Polytechnic reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace, order, and a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and administrative excellence.