JUWON Moves to Drag Three Osun High Court Judges Before NJC Over Alleged Conflicting Orders on Subsisting 1997 Judgment

The Judiciary Watch of Nigeria (JUWON) has concluded arrangements to petition three judges of the Osun State High Court before the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it described as a series of conflicting and legally untenable orders allegedly issued in respect of a valid and subsisting High Court judgment delivered nearly three decades ago.


According to the judiciary watchdog, the petition centres on Suit No. HOS/71/93 – Hephzibah Holdings Ltd v. Madam Sinatu Adeoye & 4 Others, in which the former Acting Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Justice R.O. Yusuf, delivered judgment on February 25, 1997.


JUWON alleged that the three judicial officers, whose identities were withheld, had been entertaining applications initiated by agents and privies of the judgment debtor and proceeded to issue orders that allegedly sought to frustrate, undermine and render ineffective the execution of the subsisting judgment, rather than directing the dissatisfied parties to seek appropriate relief before the appellate court.


The organisation maintained that once a court has become functus officio after delivering its final judgment, it lacks jurisdiction to revisit the substantive issues already determined except in circumstances recognised by law. It therefore argued that any orders capable of obstructing the execution of the 1997 judgment amount to a miscarriage of justice and fall far below the constitutional and ethical standards expected of judicial officers entrusted with preserving the integrity of the judicial system.


JUWON further recalled that the same High Court had earlier granted leave for the substitution of the judgment creditor and authorised the execution of the judgment, including the issuance of a warrant of possession over the disputed property. It noted that before delivering judgment in 1997, Justice R.O. Yusuf personally visited the locus in quo to ascertain the exact boundaries of the land in dispute before making his final determination.


The organisation explained that counsel to the judgment creditor, Lekan Alabi, subsequently approached the High Court through Suit No. HOS/M.206/2024 solely to obtain administrative approval necessary to facilitate the enforcement of the declaratory judgment in favour of Madam Sinatu Adeoye, describing the application as a procedural step intended to ensure compliance with the court's judgement.


JUWON further stated that the Chief Bailiff of the Osun State High Court duly submitted his report on the execution of the judgment on 30th day of April, 2025. It, however, alleged that despite the completion of the execution process, subsequent orders issued by the affected judges created legal obstacles to the judgment creditor's possession of the property while allegedly providing undue protection to agents and privies of the judgment debtor.


According to the group, the development created an atmosphere in which the judgment debtor and associated parties allegedly became emboldened to initiate the arrest, harassment and prosecution of the judgment creditor's counsel, Lekan Alabi, as well as the lawful attorney to the judgment creditor, Najeem Popoola, actions which the organisation described as an abuse of legal and security processes.


JUWON further alleged that personnel drawn from various security agencies—including the Osun State Police Command, the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, officers of the Nigerian Army from the Engineering Regiment, Ede, the Osogbo Military Depot, as well as operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—were allegedly deployed in connection with the dispute.


In a statement signed by the Deputy National Secretary of JUWON, Comrade Michael James on Friday, the organisation disclosed that the conduct of the three judicial officers had remained under close observation for approximately one year, adding that it had now resolved to formally present its findings before the National Judicial Council for appropriate disciplinary consideration.


The statement read in part:"It is deeply disturbing that after a court has become functus officio on a matter, legal practitioners still approach the same court with applications capable of reopening issues already conclusively determined. More disturbing is the willingness of judicial officers to entertain such applications and issue orders that effectively prevent a successful litigant from enjoying the fruits of a lawful judgment.


"Judicial officers are sworn to preserve the sanctity, dignity and integrity of the courts. They must resist every attempt to manipulate the judicial process and remain steadfast in ensuring that justice, fairness and the rule of law prevail. The temple of justice must remain sacred and beyond compromise."


Meanwhile, during proceedings in Suit No. HOS/M.206/2024 before the Osun State High Court sitting in Ikire on February 25, 2026, presided over by Hon. Justice S.A. Oke, the court directed counsel to the judgment creditor, Lekan Alabi, to serve copies of the 1982, 1997 and 2016 judgments relating to the disputed property on all occupants of the land, observing that under established legal principles, ownership of land extends to everything attached to it.


JUWON also recalled that in Suit No. HOS/102/82, instituted by Shittu Ladimeji (Oladimeji) & 3 Others, representing the Iyiolu Alare Family of Osogbo, against Madam Sinatu Adeoye, the court dismissed the claim in its entirety and awarded substantial costs in favour of Madam Adeoye.


Similarly, the organisation referenced Suit No. HOS/81/13 – Mrs. Sidikatu Busari v. Alhaji Dele Yes Sir, in which the court awarded ₦5 million in damages against Alhaji Dele Yes Sir for acts of further trespass on a portion of the disputed land located near the Steel Rolling Mills Residential Quarters, popularly known as Iyana Camp, Osogbo.


According to JUWON, the succession of proprietary interests over the judgment land subsequently passed from the late Madam Sinatu Adeoye to the late Mrs. Sidikatu Busari and is now represented by Misitura Busari, who continues to pursue the enforcement of the subsisting judgments.


The organisation concluded by expressing concern over what it described as conflicting judicial pronouncements capable of eroding public confidence in the administration of justice.It posed a question it believes deserves urgent reflection within the justice sector;


"If the courts cannot consistently uphold and enforce their own valid and subsisting judgments, what confidence should members of the public have in the judicial system and the rule of law?"

The Position of Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC)on Continuous JUSUN Strike which has grounded judicial operations across Osun State

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).