Olusegun Adeyemo
The long-awaited “I Am Alive” verification exercise for retired judiciary workers in Osun State has been halted as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) presses on with its strike.
The exercise, which was meant to hold on October 6 and 7 for retirees receiving federal entitlements, had raised hopes among pensioners eager to complete the mandatory process. But those hopes were dashed after the union’s State Executive Council resolved to suspend all such activities in line with its industrial action.
In a statement issued on Thursday, JUSUN Chairman, Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, expressed regret over the disruption. He disclosed that the Chief Registrar had been instructed to inform officials expected from Abuja not to embark on their scheduled visit.
The postponement underscores the wider reach of the strike, which has crippled judicial operations across the state. Beyond stalling retiree verification, the union has also moved to tighten control over internal processes. It announced that preparations for the 2026 budget were underway but would proceed under newly granted autonomy to the budget committees of the High Court, the Customary Court of Appeal, and the Judicial Service Commission. This, Adeniran said, was a “significant step” toward strengthening the state judiciary.
Union directives have become increasingly strict. Members have been ordered to stay away from their offices unless given explicit clearance from JUSUN leadership, with particular emphasis on staff of the salary and accounts departments. To seal off any breach of discipline, the union also forbade financial transactions during the strike, warning against unauthorised withdrawals from judiciary accounts.
“In line with our industrial action, no financial transactions should occur. Strict adherence is expected,” Adeniran stressed.
For retirees caught in the middle, the delay in the verification exercise adds another layer of uncertainty. While JUSUN insists the strike is a necessary struggle, pensioners must now wait until industrial peace is restored before they can confirm their status and access benefits.