After a prolonged three-month strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Osun State, judiciary staff have returned to work, marking the resumption of court activities.
The strike, which commenced in November 2023, was initiated by the state chapter of JUSUN to advocate for improved conditions of service and address various demands.
Upon the suspension of the strike, workers at the High Court Complex on the Osogbo-Ilobu Road promptly resumed work on Monday, March 7, in compliance with the directive from the union’s executive. Workers were observed arriving at the court complex as early as 7:30 am.
The scene at the court complex reflected a flurry of activity, with artisans engaged in cutting overgrown grass and cleaning courtrooms and other offices. A few lawyers were also seen entering and leaving the premises, which accommodates both Magistrate and High Courts.
A staff member, who preferred to remain anonymous, acknowledged the union’s efforts in prioritizing the interests of its members, expressing gratitude for the changes brought about by the strike. “I want to thank our union for fighting on our behalf; it was worth it,” the staff member remarked.
Administrative officer Mrs. Juliet Alabi urged for the full implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the union, the Osun judiciary, and the state government. Alabi emphasized the importance of expediting the implementation of the MoU for the benefit of all judiciary workers in the state.
Lawyer, Mr. Jones Olujimi expressed satisfaction at the reopening of courtrooms after the prolonged strike. He highlighted that pending and fresh cases would now be scheduled for trial or judgment by magistrates and judges.
The strike, which saw its resolution following a tripartite agreement between the Osun government, the management of the Osun judiciary, and JUSUN, was prompted by various grievances, including alleged seizure of wardrobe allowances, suspension of colleagues by the Chief Judge, and an embargo on worker training.
JUSUN Chairman in Osun, Mr. Oluwagbenga Eludire, in a statement released to the press, directed members to return to work on March 11. Eludire outlined terms of the MoU, including the regularisation and promotion of qualified staff, and emphasized that there should be no intimidation of judiciary officers or JUSUN members for participating in the strike.
The union expressed appreciation to Governor Ademola Adeleke and Speaker Wale Egbedun for their intervention leading to the suspension of the strike.
