By Asaye Bankole
The Ondo State government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is facing growing criticism from judiciary workers who cite poor welfare conditions, unfulfilled promises, and the refusal to grant financial autonomy to the state judiciary.
As a result, court activities across the state have come to a complete standstill.
The crisis in Ondo State’s judiciary escalated on Monday when striking judiciary workers locked judges out of court facilities in Akure, the state capital, effectively shutting down the Ondo State Judiciary Headquarters.
A visit to the judiciary complex revealed that the gates were locked, preventing judges from entering their offices. Several official vehicles belonging to judges were left parked outside as judicial activities remained at a standstill.
The situation worsened on Tuesday when the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) joined the strike. Judiciary workers say JUSUN’s participation has further crippled the state’s justice system and is now demanding urgent action from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
The shutdown comes amid an ongoing industrial action by judiciary staff, who withdrew their services, bringing all court operations in the state to a halt.
Newsmen had earlier reported that magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts, and legal research officers began an indefinite strike over unresolved issues relating to judicial autonomy and welfare under the Aiyedatiwa government.
According to the workers, the state government has failed to fulfill commitments made to improve welfare conditions and continues to undermine the judiciary’s financial autonomy, despite repeated negotiations.
The strike was declared by the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers (Ondo State Judiciary) in a notice dated January 2, 2026.
The notice, addressed to all relevant judicial officers in the state, directed members to “commence an indefinite strike from Monday, 5th January 2026.”
It warned that during the strike, members are “strictly prohibited from performing any official functions or acting in their official capacity,” including reporting to the office, sitting in court, or issuing, signing, endorsing, or authorizing any orders or documents, whether physically or remotely, for the duration of the action.
With judges locked out, courtrooms deserted, and staff unions united in protest, pressure continues to mount on the Aiyedatiwa-led government to resolve longstanding issues of welfare, financial autonomy, and unfulfilled promises that are threatening the independence of the Ondo State judiciary.
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