Lawyers Seek Re-opening of Court Premises in Osun

Some lawyers in Osun have decried the protracted strike by judiciary workers, which has resulted in the closure of courtrooms in the state since Nov. 22, 2023.

In a separate interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo, the lawyers called on the executives of the Judiciary Saff Union (JUSUN) in the state to immediately suspend their strike in the interest of litigants and suspects in custody.

JUSUN in Osun had embarked on strike following allegations against

Justice Adepele Ojo, the Chief Judge, of the state, who was accused of indiscriminate suspension of workers, and failure to pay workers wardrobe allowances, among other complaints

Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, a lawyer and Executive Director of the Osun Masterminds, said the internal politics of JUSUN was not the immediate concern, but the continued closure of the courts due to a strike action declared by the union.

” It is mindless and antithetical to the maintenance of law and order as well as speedy dispensation of justice in the State.

Oyedokun-Alli said his group had been clamouring for the reopening of court premises and would not hesitate to drag gladiators in the judicial battle in the state before competent courts in the land if the strike persists further.

” We advise that all concerned act now with utmost responsibility and respect for the oath they all swore.

” More importantly, there are innocent people awaiting trial who have been left to languish in prison because some people are using their lives to settle scores,” he said.

Also, Mr Jimmy Jones, said that the continued closure of the court premises amounts to a denial of speedy trials of some cases needing urgent attention.

Jones said that most police cells in the state were now overcrowded with many suspected criminals due to the strike embarked upon by JUSUN.