By Jude Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has distanced himself and his administration from the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in the state, insisting that the crisis lies squarely within the constitutional mandate of the Chief Judge.
His position was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, in response to allegations raised in a December 8, 2025 letter by the Forum of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in Osun State.
The letter had accused the Governor and government-appointed members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of contributing to the paralysis of judicial activities.
Adeleke described the allegations as misleading, saying it had become necessary to correct “misrepresentations” and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and a functional judiciary.
According to the statement, the ongoing shutdown of the courts has nothing to do with refusal or boycott by government appointees but is rather the result of what the Governor described as the Chief Judge’s persistent failure to convene meetings of the Judicial Service Commission — a statutory duty.
The Governor alleged that for two consecutive years, the Chief Judge neglected to call a single JSC meeting despite numerous letters, reminders, and formal requests from the Attorney-General of the state and the Judiciary Staff Union.
“This refusal constitutes a grave dereliction of duty and has effectively hindered the proper functioning of the JSC,” the statement said.
The governor further challenged both the Chief Judge and the NBA to produce any letter showing that the Chief Judge summoned a meeting or instructed the Secretary to do so.
He explained that during the previous JUSUN strike, he personally intervened.
On February 6, 2024, the National President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, visited Osun and met with the Governor before holding separate talks with the Chief Judge.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was later signed on February 16, 2024 by JUSUN, the Osun State Government, and the Judiciary.
The MOA included commitments such as reinstating suspended staff, implementing promotions, harmonizing allowances, developing a scheme of service, and convening JSC meetings.
Adeleke maintained that his administration fulfilled its obligations while the Chief Judge allegedly failed to implement hers — particularly the convening of JSC meetings, citing:
A March 11, 2024 letter in which the Chief Judge reportedly declined to summon a meeting (Ref: OSJD/CJ/VOL.1/24/10).
A July 10, 2024 letter from the Acting General Secretary of JUSUN, urging the Chief Judge to act (Ref: JUSUN/NHQ/SUB27/VOL11/37).
Government insisted that claims of boycotts by its appointees were false, arguing that the Chief Judge had never formally convened a constitutionally recognized meeting of the Commission as required by Section 203 of the 1999 Constitution.
The statement further alleged that JUSUN warned the Chief Judge multiple times before the current strike began but received no response. Instead, the Chief Judge reportedly travelled abroad at the onset of the industrial action.
In one instance, JUSUN members preparing to meet with the Chief Judge were allegedly threatened with arrest on her orders.
Government said its members on the Commission remain committed to resolving the crisis, noting that at an emergency meeting on November 17, 2023, the Attorney-General was nominated to coordinate JSC activities in the absence of the Chief Judge and President of the Customary Court of Appeal.
Governor Adeleke reiterated his dedication to ensuring a functional, independent, and properly administered judiciary.
“The Government of Osun State and its appointees to the JSC stand ready to resolve all outstanding issues in the interest of justice and good governance. Our only plea is that the Chief Judge does the right thing and not resort to cheap blackmail,” the statement said.
