By John Dike, Osogbo
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in Osun State have appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to urgently intervene in the ongoing Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike, which has effectively brought the state’s judicial system to a standstill.
In a communique signed by the chairmen of the five NBA branches in the state, the lawyers expressed deep concern over the prolonged industrial action, which began on September 22, 2025, and the continued non-functioning of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) due to the refusal of some government-appointed members to attend meetings convened by the Chief Judge, Justice A. O. Ojo.
The NBA noted that despite multiple interventions, including meetings with JUSUN leadership, the Chief Judge, and the Attorney General, no progress has been made.
The result is that courts remain closed, litigants are stranded, commercial transactions are stalled, and the administration of justice has ground to a halt.
“A non-functional judiciary is a direct assault on the rule of law,” the NBA said, warning that the strike poses serious constitutional, economic, and security risks, undermines public confidence in government, and weakens democratic institutions.
Following a congress of all Osun State lawyers held on December 4, 2025, the NBA appealed to the Governor to:
Direct JUSUN to suspend the strike and resume work within seven days.ensure that all legitimate grievances of JUSUN are addressed through a structured, time-bound process overseen by the JSC and the Bar; and
Also mandate all government-appointed members of the JSC to attend meetings convened by the Chief Judge and restore full operations of the Judicial Service Commission immediately.
The communique was signed by Altere Maruf Adediran (NBA Osogbo Branch), Niyi Akinsola (NBA Ikirun Branch), F.O. Ajani (NBA Iwo Branch), Ayodele Festus Olawoye (NBA Ife Branch), and Ramond Oki (NBA Ilesa Branch).
The NBA urged Adeleke to act decisively to safeguard the rule of law, good governance, and stability in Osun State.
Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also reportedly intervened in the lingering crisis, which has continued to paralyse the state’s judicial system.
