OSUN STATE COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY CALL ON OSUN JUDICIARY TO CALL-OFF STRIKE

Date: 22nd of November 2025

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

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly

House of Assembly Complex, Osogbo

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.

Thank you and God bless.

Comrade (Dr.) Waheed Lawal

Chairman

Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC)

Osogbo, Osun State.