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The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State chapter, has explained why it boycotted the peace meeting convened by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo Branch, with the State Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, on Sunday.
The meeting, which was aimed at resolving the ongoing six-week-old strike that has crippled judicial activities across the state, was attended by the Chief Judge, four other judges, and senior members of the Bar. However, JUSUN representatives were conspicuously absent.
Speaking on behalf of the union, the JUSUN Chairman, Comrade Idris Adeniran, said the decision to stay away from the meeting was informed by credible threats to the safety of union members.
He alleged that a close associate of the Chief Judge had issued threats of arrest ahead of the gathering, prompting fears among workers.
According to Adeniran, “Our members received reports that some individuals close to the Chief Judge were planning to use the meeting as a trap to arrest us. The heavy presence of security personnel at the venue only confirmed our fears. We could not risk attending under such tense circumstances.”
The union leader further accused the NBA of attempting to use the meeting as a smokescreen to compel the union to resume work without addressing its core demands on welfare, promotion arrears, and the working conditions of judiciary staff.
“We are aware of the ploy to use the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) meeting as propaganda against our struggle. JUSUN will not return to work until there is a genuine commitment to implement staff promotions and improve our welfare,” Adeniran said.
Meanwhile, the Osogbo Branch Chairman of the NBA, Barrister Maruf Adediran, in a statement, expressed disappointment over JUSUN’s withdrawal.
He said that the meeting was intended to find common ground and end the lingering crisis.
Adediran disclosed that despite the union’s absence, the Chief Judge had directed that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) convene on Tuesday to deliberate on JUSUN’s grievances and take necessary steps toward resolving the impasse.
The judiciary in Osun State has been on lockdown since September 2025, as JUSUN workers continue to demand immediate implementation of the 2024/2025 promotions and improved welfare packages.
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