Osun APC, JUSUN Clash Over Judiciary Paralysis

The crisis rocking the Osun State judiciary has taken a new twist as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) traded blame over the lingering shutdown of court activities across the state.

Judicial operations in Osun have been on hold for more than 41 days following an indefinite strike declared by JUSUN on September 19, 2025. The union, led by Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, embarked on the industrial action over delayed staff promotions for 2024 and 2025, alongside unresolved welfare concerns.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Osun APC accused Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration of failing to avert the total collapse of the state’s judicial system. The party, through its Director of Media and Information, Mr Kola Olabisi, described the situation as “an epitome of failure” and a “gross violation” of citizens’ fundamental rights.

“The absence of judicial activity in Osun for the past 41 days signifies anarchy and a collective breach of citizens’ rights to have their matters decided by a competent court,” the APC said.

The opposition further claimed that the judiciary’s prolonged inactivity had crippled access to justice, leaving suspects languishing in police and correctional facilities without trial. It accused the state government of being indifferent to the constitutional and security implications of the crisis.

According to the party, “It is an act of governmental irresponsibility for any state executive to look away while Sections 6 and 230 of the 1999 Constitution are being fragrantly breached without any plan to end it in sight.”

But JUSUN swiftly countered the APC’s accusations, describing them as “politically motivated and hypocritical.”

In a separate statement, the union’s chairman, Comrade Adeniran, maintained that the strike was a genuine fight for justice and improved welfare, not a politically instigated action.

“The APC’s criticism of the Adeleke-led administration is rich, considering their own poor record on judiciary welfare while in office,” he said. “Our strike is a legitimate demand for fair treatment, long-overdue promotions, and better working conditions.”

Adeniran urged the opposition to desist from politicising the matter and instead support constructive engagement between the judiciary leadership and the state government.

“We challenge the APC to name any administration that has done more for the judiciary in Osun State. Rather than playing politics, they should encourage the Chief Judge to dialogue with us and address our grievances,” he added.

As the deadlock persists, judicial workers and legal practitioners continue to count their losses, while residents express frustration over the stalled administration of justice in the state.