The Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers across Ondo State has announced that its members will withdraw their services effective January 5, 2026.
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The decision comes in response to what they described as the “continued lip service by the State Executive regarding the issue of financial autonomy for the Judiciary.”
According to the coalition, “the lack of genuine implementation of judicial financial autonomy has severely affected the welfare of judicial officers, operational efficiency, dignity of office, and the institutional support required for effective justice delivery.”
Their position was communicated in a letter dated December 10, 2025, formally submitted to the offices of the Chief Judge of Ondo State and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal.
The coalition lamented that its members have been persistently denied several welfare entitlements, including official vehicles, improved allowances, and other essential support necessary for the effective discharge of their duties.
Earlier in June, the Ondo State government claimed it had granted financial autonomy for judiciary workers, following the suspension of industrial action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
The Secretary of JUSUN, Alade Kehinde, announced that the state governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had intervened, leading to the suspension of the two-week strike by union members.
Alade Kehinde stated that the government had committed to setting up a committee to begin implementing the autonomy from the following month. He added:
“Arising from the state administrative council of JUSUN Ondo State and consultations with our national headquarters, we resolved to suspend the ongoing industrial action due to:
- Commitment by the state government to comply with provisions of the law on the release of funds to the Ondo State judiciary.
- Commitment to constitute a committee to fast-track implementation within a reasonable timeframe, starting July 2025.”
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), also assured workers that the state remains committed to the principles of judicial independence and fiscal responsibility.
Ajulo commended the union members for calling off the strike and emphasized that the state government would continue to engage stakeholders to maintain peaceful industrial relations.
He noted: “Judicial autonomy is guaranteed. What is required is for all parties involved to demonstrate understanding and seek proper clarification on its practical implementation.”
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