Osun JUSUN demands fairness in appointment of Judicial Commission Secretary
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Osun State Branch, has called for fairness and equal opportunities in the appointment of the Secretary to the Osun State Judicial Service Commission, JSC, insisting that qualified career administrative officers should not be excluded solely because they are not lawyers.
The union made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday by its State Chairman, Idris Adedayo Adeniran, on behalf of the State Executive Council, amid controversy over the interpretation of a Gazette concerning the commission’s secretaryship.
JUSUN said the Gazette being circulated by Mrs Fagbola did not constitute the establishment law of the commission but concerned the extension of the retirement age to 65 years for specified categories of judicial officers and officials.
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.
“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 claim that the secretaryship must be reserved exclusively for legal practitioners should be supported by the relevant establishment law, regulations or other valid legal instruments.
JUSUN also cited historical precedents in Osun State, stating that the office 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, among those identified in its historical account.
The statement said legal practitioners began occupying the position during the tenure of the late Chief Judge, Justice O. A. Ojo, adding that Mrs Fagbola served as secretary in 2012 before Mr Obidiya subsequently occupied the office.
However, the union argued that the practice did not automatically establish a legal requirement that only lawyers could hold the position.
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.”
It also cited the Public Service Regulations 1978 as requiring the secretary to be versed in administration.
The union argued that experienced career officers who had served diligently and acquired the necessary administrative knowledge should have opportunities to occupy senior positions, subject to applicable laws and appointment procedures.
On the transfer of Mr Kola Isiaka Alao, Director of Administration and Supplies, JUSUN alleged that the proposal to move him away from the commission originated from Mrs Fagbola before being presented to the Chief Judge.
It expressed concern over claims that Alao had been posted to a non-existent office and called for clarification on the rationale and administrative basis for the decision.
The statement 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 subsequently being reinstated.
JUSUN questioned why administrative postings should be considered improper merely because an affected officer was a legal practitioner.
On the appointment of the Acting Secretary to the commission, the union said it had noted reports that the appointment letter bore the approval of the Osun State Governor.
“We call for verification of the constitutional provision reportedly cited, particularly Section 204 of the 1999 Constitution, to establish its applicability to the appointment.
“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.
“Our concern is to protect career officers’ interests and ensure that professional advancement is guided by law, merit, competence, and experience,” the statement said.
The union 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 equally to all officers.
It called for discipline to be administered without favouritism and urged stakeholders to resolve the disagreement through lawful and constructive engagement.
Reaffirming its commitment to members’ welfare and career progression, JUSUN urged the relevant 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.
Osun JUSUN demands fairness in appointment of Judicial Commission Secretary