The letter conveying this directive to the Osun State chapter, dated March 4, 2024, was obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday. Addressed to the caretaker Committee Secretary of Osun JUSUN, Salam Saheed, the letter was signed by M. Akwashiki, the acting General Secretary of the organization.

The roots of the industrial action trace back to November 22, 2023, when JUSUN members in Osun State embarked on an indefinite strike following a clash with the police who dispersed them with teargas on the premises of the State High Court in Osogbo. The protest was fueled by grievances related to the non-payment of wardrobe allowances and the alleged high-handedness of the state Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo. This had led to a complete halt in activities at the High Court, with staff members shutting down the entrance to the premises.

The decision to suspend the industrial action was based on the Memorandum of Agreement signed by officials of the state government, the High Court management, and representatives of the union. The acting national secretary of JUSUN, in the letter, explained the rationale behind the decision:

“I am directed to convey the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great union led by the President, Marwan Adamu for the Osun State branch to suspend the ongoing industrial action.

"The decision was hinged on the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the JUSUN President, Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Osun State, and Honorable Chief Registrar, High Court of Justice, Osun State on the issues in contention.

“Therefore, suspending the action would allow for the Chief Judge of Osun State and Chairman, Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to summon JSC meeting to finalize other issues that have to do with staff regularization.”

This development marks a positive step forward, indicating a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and find resolutions to the challenges faced by JUSUN members in Osun State. The decision to suspend the industrial action demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts between the union and relevant authorities to address the concerns raised by the judiciary staff.