The Osun Masterminds (TOM), a civil society organization, has expressed dismay over the prolonged closure of courts in the state due to the strike declared by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), describing it as rendering the judiciary inactive. TOM also criticized the strike as thoughtless and contradictory to the principles of maintaining law and order and ensuring justice in the state.
The organization accused the state government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, of displaying indifference toward the ongoing closure of the courts. In a state of the state address delivered by TOM’s Executive Director, Prof Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, the group insisted that the state government should have taken proactive measures to address the issues leading to the industrial action.
TOM alleged that the silence of the state government could be interpreted as tacit support for the strike, highlighting that the government continued to pay salaries to judicial workers while overlooking the current paralysis of the court system in the state.
Oyedokun-Alli, calling for an end to the strike, warned that the group would not hesitate to take legal action against all parties involved if the industrial action persists.
“As a group, we will not hesitate to take legal action against the participants in the judicial battle before competent courts if the strike continues.
“We advise all concerned parties to act responsibly and uphold the oath they took. It is crucial that the Osun State Government, rather than showing indifference, takes active steps to resolve the issues leading to the ongoing industrial action.”
It is worth noting that JUSUN in Osun State initiated an indefinite strike in November 2023, following allegations that police personnel had used tear gas against members who were picketing and protesting against the Osun Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo.
