The judiciary workers in Osun have resumed work on Monday following the suspension of the three-month strike by the state chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria. The strike, which commenced in November 2023, aimed to advocate for improved conditions of service among other demands.
A visit to the High Court Complex on the Osogbo-Ilobu Road revealed that workers, in compliance with the directive from their executives to resume on March 7, began entering the court complex as early as 7:30 am. Additionally, artisans were observed performing maintenance tasks such as cutting overgrown grass and cleaning courtrooms and offices. Some lawyers were also seen arriving and departing from the premises, which houses both Magistrate and high courts.
A staff member, who spoke anonymously, mentioned that court proceedings would not take place on that day due to the extensive cleaning required and other necessary arrangements.
Nevertheless, the staff member commended the union for prioritizing the interests of its members, which has resulted in significant improvements.
”I want to thank our union for fighting on our behalf; it was worth it,” he said.
Also, Mrs Juliet Alabi, an administrative officer in the court, implored that the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the union, Osun judiciary, and the state government be fully implemented.
Alabi further called for the speedy implementation of the MoU in the best interest of the entire judiciary workers in the state.
A lawyer, Mr Jones Olujimi, told reporters that lawyers and litigants were happy to see courtrooms opened after the prolonged strike.
Olujimi said that fresh and pending cases for trial, as well as those for delivery of judgment, would now be given dates by magistrates and judges.
The strike was embarked upon by the union following the alleged seizure of its member’s wardrobe allowances, suspension of some colleagues by the Chief Judge and her refusal to lift the embargo on training of workers.
A statement by the JUSUN Chairman in Osun, Mr Oluwagbenga Eludire, made available to newsmen on Wednesday, directed its members to resume work on March 11.
Eludire said the suspension of the strike was premised on the tripartite agreement between the Osun government, management of the Osun judiciary, and JUSUN.
He said that one of the terms of the memorandum of understanding signed was that the Judiciary Service Commission would convey a meeting within seven days of the suspension of the strike to ensure that other demands of the union were met.
”The commission is to attend to other demands of the union which include regularisation and promotion of all qualified staff.”
“Also, there shall be no form of intimidation of Judiciary officers or members of JUSUN for participating in the just suspended strike,” Eludire said.