Judicial activities were paralysed across Ondo State on Monday as magistrates and presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts commenced an indefinite strike to press for judicial financial autonomy and improved welfare.
The action, embarked upon by members of the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade A Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers, led to the closure of all magistrate and customary courts across the state, forcing litigants and court workers to return home.
The striking judicial officers accused the state government of paying “lip service” to the issue of judicial autonomy, despite repeated assurances and previous agreements.
They lamented what they described as the persistent denial of key welfare entitlements, including the provision of official vehicles, enhanced allowances and other operational support required for the effective discharge of their duties.
In a joint notice dated December 10, 2025, and addressed to the Chief Judge of Ondo State and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, the coalition warned that failure to address their demands would result in an indefinite industrial action.
The notice, signed by the Chairman of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Ondo State branch; the Chairman of the Association of Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts; and the Acting Chairman of the Association of Legal Research Officers, directed all members to down tools from Monday, January 5, 2026.
“We hereby direct all our members to commence a strike action indefinitely with effect from Monday, 5th January 2026,” the notice read.
It further barred members from performing any official duties during the strike, including sitting in court or issuing and signing court processes, whether physically or remotely.
According to the coalition, the failure to genuinely implement financial autonomy for the judiciary has “severely affected the welfare of judicial officers, operational efficiency, dignity of office and the institutional support required for an effective justice delivery system.”
The group insisted that the strike would remain in force until their demands for full judicial autonomy and improved welfare are met, urging members to remain united and disciplined throughout the industrial action.
The development comes months after the Ondo State Government claimed to have granted financial autonomy to the judiciary, following the suspension of a separate strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria.
In June 2025, the JUSUN Secretary in the state, Alade Kehinde, announced the suspension of a two-week strike after the intervention of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, citing the government’s commitment to release funds directly to the judiciary and set up a committee to fast-track implementation.
Similarly, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), had assured judicial workers of the state government’s commitment to judicial independence, stressing that autonomy was guaranteed under the law and required proper understanding in its implementation.
However, Monday’s shutdown of courts suggests that unresolved grievances persist within the state judiciary, raising fresh concerns over access to justice and the enforcement of judicial autonomy in Ondo State.
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