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CJMR calls for urgent resolution of Osun judiciary crisis

The Centre for Justice, Mercy, and Reconciliation (CJMR), a non-governmental organisation that focuses on getting justice for inmates wrongfully incarcerated using the instrumentality of the law, has called for urgent resolution of issues leading to the prolonged strike action ongoing in the Osun State Judiciary.

CJMR, speaking on Wednesday, through its founder, Pastor Hezekiah Deboboye Olujobi, said the ongoing strike in the Osun State judiciary has sparked a great concern for the organisation, which he described as a grassroots body dedicated to promoting human rights, seeking the interest of society more peacefully, and providing solutions to a specific problem in the community.

He said that the ongoing strike is worrisome as it continues to cause stagnation in the state’s criminal justice system, adding that this will lead to more serious issues for society.

According to him, “For the past five months, the closure of court doors across the state has resulted in a lack of access to justice for the underprivileged, halted legal proceedings for prisoners, and suspended the resolution of numerous cases. This dire situation has taken a toll on the mental well-being of the families and associates of the suspects.

“The impasse between the government and the judiciary has left many questions unanswered. Why has this strike persisted for so long? Is there no mediator to facilitate a resolution? The delay in achieving justice for those who work within the legal system is perplexing and raises concerns about the impact on the community.

“To put it into perspective, imagine a scenario where a petrol station attendant refuses to dispense fuel to cars. The journey comes to a standstill, and progress is hindered. Similarly, the closure of the judiciary has brought the wheels of justice to a grinding halt, leaving many in a state of uncertainty and frustration.

“The implications of the ongoing strike are far-reaching, affecting the fundamental rights of individuals, the functioning of the legal system, and the overall well-being of the community. The closure of court doors means that individuals, especially the underprivileged, are denied access to legal proceedings and the resolution of their cases, leading to a sense of injustice and frustration among those seeking legal remedies,” Pastor Olujobi said.

He added that the suspension of court activities has resulted in the stoppage of the grinding wheels of justice as major legal halting of proceedings, including the hearing of bail applications and the resolution of pending cases, has been halted, contributing to a backlog of cases that will require significant time and resources to address once the strike is resolved.

The Centre for Justice, Mercy, and Reconciliation pleaded with parties involved to resolve their grievances and prioritise the restoration of the Criminal Justice System in Osun, as the “impact of this stagnation cannot be overlooked, and the well-being of the community depends on the timely reinstatement of legal proceedings.

“It is imperative for all parties involved to work towards a swift resolution to mitigate these implications and restore the administration of justice in the state. The lack of effective mediation and conflict resolution mechanisms to address the grievances and concerns of the judiciary and its personnel may have prolonged the strike. The time to act is now to ensure that justice is not delayed any further.

“The Centre for Justice, Mercy, and Reconciliation urges both the government and the judiciary to come to a swift resolution and prioritise the restoration of the Criminal Justice System in Osun. The well-being of the community depends on the timely reinstatement of legal proceedings. It is imperative for all parties involved to work towards a swift resolution to mitigate these implications and restore the administration of justice in the state.,” he added.

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