Osun JUSUN Seeks Equal Opportunity In Appointment Of Judicial Commission Secretary

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State Branch, has called on the relevant authorities to ensure fairness, equal opportunities and strict adherence to the law in the appointment of the Secretary to the Osun State Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The union said qualified career administrative officers should not be excluded from consideration for the position solely because they are not legal practitioners.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Chairman of JUSUN, Idris Adedayo Adeniran, on behalf of the State Executive Council, amid disagreement over the interpretation of a Gazette relating to the commission’s secretaryship.

JUSUN argued that the Gazette being circulated by Mrs Fagbola concerned the extension of the retirement age of certain categories of judicial officers and officials to 65 years, rather than the law establishing the commission.

According to the union, “the affected categories include chief registrars, deputy chief registrars, secretaries to judicial service commissions who are legal practitioners, magistrates and presidents of district customary courts.”

It added: “The distinction between a Gazette extending the retirement age of certain officers and the law establishing the Commission is fundamental.”

The union maintained that any position insisting that only legal practitioners could serve as secretary of the commission must be supported by the relevant establishment law, regulations or other valid legal instruments.

JUSUN also cited historical precedents in Osun, claiming that the position had previously been occupied by career administrative officers who were not lawyers.

It listed former secretaries, including Mr Akanmu, Mr Oyedeji, Mr S. O. Oni and Mrs Olayinka Ibiyemi Oderinde, as part of the history of the office.

According to the statement, legal practitioners began occupying the position during the tenure of the late Chief Judge, Justice O. A. Ojo. It added that Mrs Fagbola served as secretary in 2012 before Mr Obidiya subsequently took over the position.

However, the union argued that the practice of appointing legal practitioners did not, in itself, establish a legal requirement that the position must be reserved exclusively for lawyers.

Describing the secretaryship as a senior administrative position, JUSUN said its “responsibilities included appointments, promotions, disciplinary matters, recording minutes of commission meetings and other establishment duties.”

The union also referred to the Public Service Regulations 1978, arguing that the secretary should possess adequate administrative knowledge and experience.

It stressed that experienced career officers who had served diligently and acquired the necessary administrative competence should be considered for senior positions, subject to applicable laws and appointment procedures.

On the reported transfer of Mr Kola Isiaka Alao, Director of Administration and Supplies, JUSUN alleged that the proposal to move him from the commission originated from Mrs Fagbola before it was presented to the Chief Judge.

The union expressed concern over claims that Alao had been posted to a non-existent office and called for clarification on the administrative basis and rationale for the decision.

It also referred to Mrs Fagbola’s previous postings, alleging that she was appointed secretary in 2012, later posted out by the Head of Service and replaced by Mr Obidiya before she was subsequently reinstated.

JUSUN questioned why administrative postings should be considered improper simply because an affected officer was a legal practitioner, insisting that established procedures should apply equally to all officers.

On the appointment of the Acting Secretary to the commission, the union said it had taken note of reports that the appointment letter bore the approval of the Osun State Governor.

It called for verification of the constitutional provision reportedly cited in connection with the appointment.

“We call for verification of the constitutional provision reportedly cited, particularly Section 204 of the 1999 Constitution, to establish its applicability to the appointment,” the statement said.

The union emphasised that its position was not directed against any individual or professional group but was aimed at protecting the career interests of administrative officers and promoting merit-based advancement.

“Our position was not directed against Mrs Fagbola, legal practitioners or any individual within the judiciary, but was intended to protect the interests of career officers and ensure that professional advancement was guided by merit, competence, experience and the law,” it stated.

JUSUN also raised concerns over the reported failure of Mrs Fagbola to resume at her new posting since September 18, 2026, questioning whether civil service rules were being applied consistently to all officers.

It urged the relevant authorities to ensure that disciplinary measures were administered without favouritism and called on stakeholders to resolve the disagreement through lawful and constructive engagement.

Reaffirming its commitment to members’ welfare and career progression, the union urged the authorities to ensure that no qualified career officer was denied legitimate advancement without a clear legal basis.

“The union’s demand was for fairness, equal opportunities, respect for established administrative practices and strict adherence to the rule of law,” Adeniran said.