Ondo Courts Shut As Judiciary Workers Accuse Aiyedatiwa Of Neglect

Court operations across Ondo State have ground to a halt as judiciary workers strike over poor welfare, unfulfilled promises, and the refusal to grant financial autonomy to the state judiciary.

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The crisis escalated on Monday when workers locked judges out of court facilities in Akure, the state capital, shutting down the Ondo State Judiciary Headquarters. By Tuesday, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) officially joined the strike, further paralyzing court activities statewide. The strike affects magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts, and legal research officers, who have been directed to withdraw all services indefinitely. They are barred from performing any official duties, sitting in court, or issuing judicial orders during the action.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

Judiciary staff accuse the state government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of failing to honor agreements and undermining the financial independence of the judiciary, forcing courtrooms to remain deserted.
The ongoing shutdown has exposed the harsh working conditions of judges and staff, who reportedly struggle with poor welfare, worn-out clothing, and lack of official vehicles. Many magistrates are forced to commute on commercial motorcycles or tricycles, sometimes alongside convicts and defendants.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

The strike reflects growing frustration over long-standing neglect and the urgent need for reforms to restore dignity and efficiency within the state judiciary.
Judiciary workers in Ondo have vowed to maintain the strike until their demands are met, calling on the state government to take immediate action. The situation mirrors similar industrial actions in Kogi State last December, highlighting systemic issues in welfare and autonomy that continue to affect the judicial sector across Nigeria.