Osun Judiciary Shutdown: APC, JUSUN Clash Over Blame as Strike Enters 41st Day
Story: Written by Uzuh Rita October 30,2025
The prolonged industrial strike by the Osun State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has sparked a heated war of words between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the union over the worsening state of the judiciary in the state.
Judicial operations in Osun have been crippled for more than 41 days since JUSUN, led by Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, commenced an indefinite strike on September 19, 2025. The union cited delayed staff promotions for 2024 and 2025 and unresolved welfare issues as the reasons behind the action.
In a statement issued by the APC Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the opposition party blamed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration for what it described as the “collapse of the judicial system” in the state.
The party condemned the government’s inaction, saying the continued closure of the courts was a gross violation of citizens’ fundamental rights to access justice.
“The absence of judicial activities in Osun State for over 41 days reflects a descent into anarchy and the denial of citizens’ right to fair hearing,” the statement read. “It is irresponsible for any government to ignore such a constitutional crisis while Sections 6 and 230 of the 1999 Constitution are being blatantly violated.”
The APC further warned that the prolonged strike was causing untold hardship to citizens, lawyers, and detainees who remained in custody without trial due to the shutdown of court operations across the state.
In response, JUSUN dismissed the APC’s accusations, describing them as “political propaganda and opportunism.”
In a counter-statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, the union clarified that its strike was not politically motivated but aimed at achieving justice, fairness, and improved welfare for judiciary workers.
“The APC’s attempt to politicise our strike is laughable,” Adeniran stated. “Our demands are legitimate — we are simply asking for long-overdue promotions and better working conditions. This has nothing to do with politics.”
He accused the APC of hypocrisy, saying the party failed to address similar issues during its tenure in power.
“We challenge the APC to show evidence of any administration that has done more for the judiciary in Osun State than the current one. Instead of playing politics, they should encourage the Chief Judge to engage with us constructively,” he added.
Adeniran reaffirmed JUSUN’s commitment to peaceful resolution and appealed to the public for understanding and support in their demand for justice and fair treatment.
