Osun APC, JUSUN Clash Over Judiciary Crisis

The lingering industrial action by the Osun State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has continued to stir strong political and public reactions, as both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the union exchanged statements on Wednesday over the state of the judiciary.

Judicial activities in Osun State have been paralysed for over 41 days, following the union’s indefinite strike which began on September 19, 2025.

The strike, led by Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, was triggered by alleged delays in staff promotions for 2024 and 2025 and other long-standing welfare grievances.

In a statement signed by the Osun State APC Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the opposition party condemned the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing the judiciary’s collapse as “a symbol of governmental failure.”

“The absence of exercise of judicial powers in Osun State for the past 41 days signifies anarchy and a collective breach of citizens’ fundamental rights to have their affairs decided by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement read.

The APC maintained that the prolonged strike had thrown the judiciary into paralysis, denying citizens access to justice and imposing hardship on legal practitioners and litigants with pending cases.

It further accused the Adeleke-led administration of violating constitutional provisions, citing Sections 6 and 230 of the 1999 Constitution, and alleged that the state government had shown little concern for the security and constitutional implications of the shutdown.

“It is an act of governmental irresponsibility for any state executive to look away while the judiciary remains crippled,” the statement added.

The party also lamented that suspects remain in detention across police and correctional facilities without trial due to the total shutdown of court operations.

JUSUN Replies: ‘Our Strike Is for Justice, Not Politics’

In a swift reaction, the Osun State JUSUN described the APC’s statement as political opportunism and hypocrisy, insisting that the ongoing strike was a legitimate struggle for improved welfare and fair treatment of judicial staff.

Responding in a statement signed by Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, the union said:

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“The APC’s criticism of the Adeleke-led government is rich, given their own failure to deliver in Osun State. The JUSUN strike is a desperate cry for attention to our legitimate demands, including the 2024 and 2025 promotions and long-standing welfare issues.”

Adeniran accused the opposition of politicising workers’ grievances, urging the party to engage constructively rather than exploiting the situation for political gain.

“We challenge the APC to provide evidence of any government that has done more for the judiciary in Osun State. Instead of politicising the issue, the APC should urge the Honourable Chief Judge to engage with us and address our demands,” he said.

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The union leader reaffirmed JUSUN’s commitment to peaceful dialogue, calling on the public to support their quest for fairness and better working conditions within the state’s judiciary.