Chief Judge responsible for JUSUN strike, not me – Gov Adeleke 

Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied claims that his government is responsible for the ongoing JUSUN strike in Osun State, saying the matter falls under the authority of the state’s Chief Judge.

Adeleke issued the response after receiving a letter dated December 8, 2025, from the Forum of Nigerian Bar Association branches in Osun, which accused him and his appointees to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of contributing to the current paralysis in the judiciary.

But in a statement on Tuesday, the governor said the allegations were “misrepresentations,” insisting he remains committed to constitutional governance, the rule of law, and a functioning judiciary.

According to him, the judiciary’s shutdown is not caused by government-appointed members of the JSC, but by the Chief Judge’s “persistent refusal” to convene meetings of the Commission or implement the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed with JUSUN during the last strike.

Adeleke said the Chief Judge has failed to call a single JSC meeting for two years, despite multiple letters and reminders from the Attorney General and JUSUN. He challenged both the Chief Judge and the NBA to produce evidence of any meeting invitation issued within that period.

The governor explained that during the previous JUSUN strike, he personally stepped in to help end the crisis. On February 6, 2024, the National President of JUSUN, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, met with him in Osogbo, after which the JUSUN leadership also held a separate meeting with the Chief Judge.

That engagement led to a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement signed on February 16, 2024, by the National President of JUSUN, the Osun State Attorney General, and the Chief Registrar representing the judiciary.

The MOA had clear commitments, including:

Immediate JSC meetings to reinstate suspended staff

Promotion and regularization of qualified judiciary workers

Withdrawal of pending court cases

Payment of 2023 robe allowance and consideration of 2021/2022

Development of a proper scheme of service

Non-victimization of staff

Respect for NJC’s oversight powers

Adeleke said the failure to carry out these agreements lies within the jurisdiction of the Chief Judge and not his office.

The governor reaffirmed that he remains ready to support any lawful steps that will restore the operations of the judiciary and end the crisis affecting court users across the state.