NBA Warns Of Possible State Of Emergency As Osun Judiciary Remains Shut

The Forum of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Branches in Osun State has raised the alarm that the ongoing shutdown of the judicial arm of government may plunge the state into a constitutional crisis capable of inviting a declaration of a state of emergency if urgent steps are not taken.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and other top state officials, the association described the prolonged industrial action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) as a direct threat to law, order and democratic stability.

“We want Your Excellency to note that the prolonged paralysis of the Judiciary may also attract escalated Federal attention, considered as inability of the State to maintain law and order through its Judicial institutions and lead to constitutional breakdown, which, in extreme scenarios, may justify a declaration of a state of emergency, which we do not pray for in Osun State.” The NBA said.

The letter, dated December 8, 2025, and signed by Mauruf Adeniran Esq, Chairman Osogbo, Niyi Akinsola Chairman Ikirun, F.O Ajani Esq Chairman Iwo, Ayodele Olawoye Esq Chairman, Ife and Raymond Oki Esq Chairman, Ilesa branches called for immediate intervention to avert what it termed a looming breakdown of governance.

The crisis began on September 22, 2025, when JUSUN embarked on an indefinite strike over unpaid allowances, delayed promotions and the alleged non-sitting of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Since then, all courts in the state have remained closed, leaving litigants stranded, commercial transactions halted and criminal justice completely stalled.

According to the NBA, its various branches have made several attempts at brokering peace, including holding meetings with JUSUN leadership, the Chief Judge, and the Attorney-General. Although assurances were given that the issues would be addressed, no meaningful progress has been made because the JSC has continued to fail to sit.

The association blamed the stalemate mainly on the refusal of government-appointed members of the Judicial Service Commission to honour invitations to attend a meeting convened by the Chief Judge, Honourable Justice A. O. Ojo. Their refusal, the lawyers said, had crippled the only lawful platform through which JUSUN’s grievances can be deliberated upon and resolved.

“Despite those extensive efforts, no concrete progress has been made, as the JSC has continued to fail to sit due to the refusal of government-appointed members to attend the convened meeting.”

The NBA warned that the absence of a functional judiciary amounts to a direct assault on the rule of law. More troubling, they said, is the fact that the situation has left Osun State exposed to heightened criminality, human rights violations and economic stagnation, posing serious security risks.

In the letter, the Bar leaders stressed that the paralysis of the judicial system could attract the attention of the Federal Government. According to them, when a state is unable to maintain law and order through its judicial institutions, it may be considered to be in constitutional distress an extreme situation that can justify a declaration of a state of emergency.

The association noted that such a scenario would be detrimental to Osun’s image, economy and political stability and urged the governor to act swiftly to avoid forcing the state into the hands of federal emergency administrators. “We do not pray for this in Osun State,” the association emphasized.

The NBA further explained that the judiciary is not just another arm of government, but the stabilizing pillar of democracy. Its continued shutdown threatens the very foundation on which justice, peace and good governance are built. “When it is shut down, the State itself becomes exposed and vulnerable,” the letter added.

Concerned by the worsening situation, all five NBA branches in the state convened a congress on December 4 at Osogbo City Hall. The meeting, according to the communique, resolved that only a decisive executive intervention could save the state from deeper constitutional and social turmoil.

The lawyers therefore urged Governor Adeleke to direct JUSUN to suspend the strike and return to work within seven days. They also demanded assurances that the union’s grievances would be addressed through a time-bound and transparent process jointly supervised by the JSC and the Bar.

Additionally, the association called on the governor to immediately mandate the Attorney-General and all JSC members appointed by him to attend all meetings convened by the Chief Judge. Such action, they said, is necessary to restore the Commission to full operation and rekindle public confidence in government.

The NBA concluded by appealing to the governor’s sense of leadership and constitutional responsibility. It noted that only his prompt intervention could restore normalcy, safeguard the rule of law and protect the peace and stability of Osun State from the threat of total breakdown.