OCSC Calls for an urgently reconvene a neutral, transparent, and time-bound negotiation session to end the industrial crisis
 |
| Profile picture: Comrades Whaeed Lawal, Segun Mayegun, Akin Government, Olowu Emmanuel, others. |
The Osun Civil Society Coalition (OCSC) has made its position known to the public and government of Osun State as well as other Stakeholders regarding the ongoing industrial strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State Branch.
The OCSC Coalition in Press statement earlier this Month expresses deep concern over the prolonged industrial action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State Branch, which has grounded judicial operations across the state since 19th of September 2025.
While acknowledging the legitimate demands of judiciary workers for improved welfare, promotions, and professional development, OCSC equally emphasises the sacred duty of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
The continued closure of courts not only undermines access to justice but also inflicts hardship on citizens awaiting trial, litigants, lawyers, and other stakeholders in Osun State.Credible media reports have attributed the cause of the deadlock to unresolved issues of delayed staff promotions (2024–2025), non-sponsorship of training at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), and welfare-related grievances, compounded by limited communication between JUSUN leadership and the judicial management under the Honourable Chief Judge Adepele Ojo.
In line with the provisions of Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right of every citizen to freely associate and protect their interests through trade unions, and Section 7(1)(a) of the Trade Disputes Act, Cap T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which encourages settlement of industrial disputes through mediation and conciliation, OCSC recognises that the demands of judiciary workers fall within the ambit of lawful labour agitation.Furthermore, Section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act explicitly provides that all parties to an industrial dispute are under an obligation to “continue to engage in dialogue, conciliation or arbitration in good faith until a resolution is achieved.
” It is therefore imperative for both the judicial management and the leadership of JUSUN to comply with these statutory obligations in the interest of industrial harmony and constitutional order.As a coalition devoted to good governance, transparency, and justice, Our sole concern is to ensure a fair, inclusive, and lasting resolution that will preserves the integrity of the judiciary, and to ensure that the right of all parties are not infringe upon.
Accordingly, OCSC Calls on the Honorable Chief Judge of Osun State, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and the leadership of JUSUN to immediately return to the negotiation table in compliance with Sections 4–9 of the Trade Disputes Act, which outline the procedures for voluntary mediation, conciliation, and reference to the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) where necessary.Urges the Osun State Government and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo Branch, to provide moral and administrative support for a neutral mediation platform in accordance with Section 5(2) of the Trade Disputes Act, aimed at restoring industrial harmony within the judiciary.
The Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) is ready to serve in the capacity of an observer, facilitator, or mediator whenever both sides are willing to engage in constructive dialogue, as permitted under Section 9 of the Trade Disputes Act, which recognizes the involvement of neutral civic bodies in dispute settlement.In the spirit of democratic accountability, OCSC wishes to state clearly that if, within the next seven (7) days from the date of this statement, both parties fail to commence meaningful dialogue or make visible progress toward resolving the industrial action, the Coalition will have no choice but to escalate the matter to higher authorities which will include, the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary, and other relevant oversight institutions which shall be in the intention to protect public interest and restore normalcy in the administration of justice.
Justice delayed remains justice denied. The people of Osun deserve a functional, fair, and responsive justice system.
OCSC therefore calls on all stakeholders to act swiftly, responsibly, and patriotically in the interest of the state and her citizens.
Follow up letters to the appropriate Stakeholders have also been dispatched after the expiration of the initial 7days ultimatum by the coalition.
The OCSC on 22nd of November 2025, in an address to the Honourable Chief Judge of Osun State High Court of Justice, Osun State, the Chairman, Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State Branch, the Executive Governor of Osun State
Government Secretariat, Abere and the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly
House of Assembly Complex, Osogbo in what the Civil Society called a "FOLLOW-UP ADVISORY ON THE FAILURE OF BOTH PARTIES TO COMMENCE MEANINGFUL NEGOTIATION"
The Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) wishes to formally notify all concerned actors and the general public that the seven-day negotiation window, first announced in our press statement dated November 4, 2025, has now expired without any visible or measurable progress toward resolving the ongoing industrial dispute between the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State Branch, and the Judiciary management under the Honourable Chief Judge.
This development is deeply regrettable and continues to inflict serious harm on the administration of justice in Osun State. The constitutional right of citizens to access the courts (Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution) remains severely obstructed, while the prolonged shutdown undermines public confidence in our justice system.
OBSERVATIONS WITHIN THE SEVEN-DAY WINDOW
Despite repeated appeals:
• No structured negotiation framework was established.
• No joint communiqué or progress update was issued by either party.
• No mediation session was convened involving neutral stakeholders.
• Industrial harmony has not been restored.
Thus, OCSC is compelled to issue this advisory in line with its duty to safeguard public interest and strengthen democratic accountability.
REITERATION OF DUTY TO NEGOTIATE
OCSC hereby reminds all parties that under the Trade Disputes Act (Cap T8, LFN 2004):
• Section 3(1) mandates parties to an industrial dispute to explore internal dispute resolution mechanisms before escalation.
• Sections 4 and 5 provide for mediation and conciliation where disputes persist.
• Section 6 empowers the Minister of Labour to intervene if negotiation fails.
Likewise, under the Nigerian Constitution and principles of natural justice, the judiciary has a duty to ensure uninterrupted access to justice, while workers have a lawful right to demand fair treatment and improved conditions through peaceful means.
Both parties therefore share a joint responsibility to negotiate in good faith.
POSSIBLE ESCALATION BY OCSC
In line with our earlier position, if meaningful dialogue is not initiated immediately, the Osun Civil Societies Coalition shall proceed with the following escalation steps:
1. Formal Petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC)
Drawing attention to administrative lapses and the prolonged breakdown of judicial operations.
2. Briefing of the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary
Requesting legislative intervention and a public hearing on the crisis.
3. Submission of a Situation Report to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment
Invoking Sections 6–9 of the Trade Disputes Act on unresolved industrial disputes.
4. Public Accountability Walk and Civic Engagement Campaign
To draw attention to the constitutional and human rights implications of the shutdown.
5. Release of a Comprehensive Crisis Report to National Media Houses
Highlighting findings, timelines, responsibilities, and recommendations.
These steps are not punitive but aimed at restoring normalcy, promoting dialogue, and protecting the rights of the citizens.
CALL FOR URGENT ACTION
OCSC again calls on:
• The Honourable Chief Judge,
• The JUSUN leadership,
• The Osun State Government, and
• Other institutional stakeholders
to urgently reconvene a neutral, transparent, and time-bound negotiation session to end the industrial crisis.
Justice delayed is justice denied. Osun State cannot endure further paralysis of its judicial system.
Comrade (Dr.) Waheed Lawal is the Chairman of the
Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC).
No comments