By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osun State chapter, has issued a stern warning to Governor Ademola Adeleke over the continued closure of courts across the state, describing the situation as a looming constitutional crisis that could “precipitate a state of emergency” if not urgently resolved.
Courts in Osun State have remained shut since September 22, 2025, following an industrial action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN). The strike, now in its third month, stems from disputes over welfare, delayed promotions, and what judicial workers allege is persistent neglect by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and state government.
In a jointly signed letter addressed to Governor Adeleke, leaders of the five NBA branches in the state—Osogbo, Ikirun, Iwo, Ife, and Ilesa—accused the government of indifference and warned that the prolonged judicial paralysis has become dangerous for governance and public safety.
“If prolonged, this closure may lead to a situation akin to a state of emergency,” the NBA leaders wrote.
The letter was signed by chairmen and secretaries of the five branches: Maruf Adediran, Niyi Akinsola, F.O. Ajani, Ayodele Olawoye, and Raymond Oki.
NBA Accuses JSC Appointees of Sabotage
The association alleged that appointees of the governor on the Judicial Service Commission have been deliberately frustrating peace efforts by failing to attend reconciliation meetings convened by the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo.
Sources confirmed that JUSUN leaders also failed to honour crucial mediation sessions organised by the NBA and the Chief Judge, further stalling negotiations and deepening the crisis.
The NBA stated that such actions suggest government complicity or “willful indifference to the constitutional implications” of the ongoing shutdown.
‘Constitutional Governance Cannot Survive Like This’ — NBA
The NBA emphasised that the judiciary is a critical pillar of democracy and that its continued shutdown has far-reaching consequences:
- Court cases remain stalled
- Detainees are stranded in correctional facilities without trial
- Civil disputes and commercial matters are unresolved
- Citizens’ rights are effectively suspended
“There can be no constitutional governance when courts are locked, cases abandoned, and civil liberties trapped in political limbo,” the lawyers warned.
JUSUN Blames Judiciary Leadership
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria had earlier accused the state’s judicial authorities of treating the union with “contempt,” citing a letter dated September 3 that the JSC allegedly ignored.
“The Osun State Judiciary leadership is not committed to upholding the rule of law and industrial harmony,” JUSUN chairman, Idris Adeniran, said at the time.
NBA Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum
In its latest intervention, the NBA has given Governor Adeleke a seven-day ultimatum to ensure that JUSUN workers return to duty and that the courts are reopened.
The lawyers warned that failure to address the crisis promptly could lead to more severe legal and constitutional repercussions for the state government.
