The ongoing paralysis in the Osun State Judiciary has entered its sixth week, sparking a fierce war of words between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), as both sides trade accusations over who is responsible for the collapse of judicial activities across the state.
Judicial operations in Osun have been at a standstill for over 41 days since members of JUSUN, led by Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, commenced an indefinite strike on September 19, 2025. The industrial action, according to the union, was triggered by long-standing grievances, including delayed staff promotions for 2024 and 2025, as well as unresolved welfare concerns that had lingered for years.
In a strongly worded statement issued by Kola Olabisi, the APC’s Director of Media and Information, the opposition party blamed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration for what it called “a total collapse of the judicial system” in Osun State. The APC described the prolonged closure of courts as a constitutional tragedy, accusing the state government of failing to protect the rule of law and the fundamental rights of citizens.
“The absence of judicial powers being exercised for the past 41 days signifies anarchy,” the APC said. “This is a collective breach of citizens’ fundamental rights to have their matters decided by a competent court. It is an act of gross irresponsibility for the state government to ignore such a grave constitutional breakdown.”
The opposition further alleged that the situation had created widespread hardship for lawyers, litigants, and detainees, many of whom remain in police and correctional custody without trial due to the shutdown. The statement claimed that lawlessness was gradually creeping into the state as courts remained locked, denying the people access to justice.
Citing Sections 6 and 230 of the 1999 Constitution, the APC argued that the government’s inaction amounted to a direct violation of the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary, urging Governor Adeleke to intervene immediately to restore normalcy.
However, JUSUN quickly fired back in a counter-statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, accusing the APC of political opportunism and hypocrisy. The union insisted that its industrial action had no political undertone but was purely a legitimate struggle for justice, fair treatment, and improved working conditions for judiciary workers.
“The APC’s criticism is rich, considering their own failures when they were in power,” Adeniran said. “Our strike is not politically motivated. It is a call for attention to genuine issues — our promotions, welfare, and respect for the rights of judicial staff.”
The JUSUN leader maintained that the strike was a peaceful protest against administrative neglect, not a weapon of political manipulation. He challenged the APC to point to any government in Osun’s history that had done more for the judiciary than the current one.
“Instead of politicising our plight, the APC should encourage the Chief Judge and relevant authorities to meet with us and address our demands. We remain open to dialogue and are committed to ensuring a functional and fair judicial system,” Adeniran stated.
Observers say the ongoing standoff has paralysed the dispensation of justice in Osun, leaving thousands of cases unattended and raising concerns about rising insecurity and unlawful detentions.
As the blame game intensifies, calls for intervention from the National Judicial Council (NJC) and civil society organisations have grown louder, with many urging the state government and JUSUN to find common ground to prevent a total collapse of justice delivery in the state.
