Retired judges in Kogi State have raised alarm over what they describe as prolonged neglect by the state government, urging immediate payment of their constitutionally guaranteed pensions, gratuities, and allowances.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
The judicial officers, who retired between 2021 and 2023 after decades of service, expressed deep concern over living in hardship and uncertainty due to the non-payment of entitlements owed to them under existing laws.
In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the retirees accused the Kogi State Government of violating clear constitutional provisions designed to safeguard the welfare, dignity, and independence of judges after retirement. They emphasized that these benefits are legal rights, not privileges.
“All necessary documentation has been processed and verified, yet repeated appeals to state officials, including the Office of the Governor, have yielded no results,” the statement read. “The irony is painful. Those who spent their lives defending the rule of law are now being denied the protections guaranteed by the same law.”
The affected judges include Hon. Justice Sunday Omeiza Otu (Rtd); Hon. Justice Olorunfemi Richard Olorunju (Rtd); former Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John Bayo Olowosegun (Rtd); former President, Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Yunusa Musa (Rtd); Hon. Justice Esther O. Haruna (Rtd); Hon. Justice Andrew Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye (Rtd); Hon. Justice Olutimehin Samuel Obayomi (Rtd); and Hon. Justice Elias Adem Egwu (Rtd).
The retirees listed their outstanding entitlements to include gratuity payments, medical allowances, security allowances, and statutory vehicle allocations, all of which are enshrined under existing laws. They described the government’s continued silence and inaction as negligent, unjust, and degrading, warning that such treatment undermines public confidence in the state’s commitment to justice.
The retired judges have called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to intervene immediately, stressing that failure to act could discourage judicial independence, erode the dignity of the judiciary, and send a dangerous signal to serving judicial officers.
They urged the state leadership to honor the law, uphold justice and fairness, and promptly settle all pending benefits. “Prompt payment will not only restore our dignity but also reaffirm the state’s commitment to constitutional governance and respect for the judiciary,” the statement concluded.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola
_______________________________________________________________________
New Year Promo: Get Five Maritime Law Books For N150,000 — 63% Discount
The promotion, which commenced on January 8 and runs until February 8, 2026, offers five core maritime law books authored by Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, ordinarily valued at N405,000, for just N150,000 — a 63% discount.
Interested buyers can place their orders through the following channels:
Phone: 0704 329 3271
Online Store: https://paystack.shop/aa-bookstore
Website: www.akabogulaw.com
______________________________________________________________________
