The coalition of Ondo State Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers has announced that it may withdraw its services across the state beginning from January 5, 2026
The announcement was contained in a letter dated December 10 and addressed to the state’s Chief Judge.
The letter made available to reporters on Saturday indicated that the decision followed what the coalition described as the “continued lip service by the State Executive to the issue of financial autonomy for the Judiciary”.
The coalition expressed concerns that the lack of genuine implementation of judicial financial autonomy in the state has severely affected the welfare of judicial officers, dignity of office, operational efficiency and the institutional support required for an effective justice delivery system.
The coalition pointed out that its members have been subjected to persistent denial of several welfare entitlements, including, improved allowances, provision of official vehicles.
DAILY POST reports that the Ondo State government in June this year claimed that it had granted financial autonomy for the judiciary workers.
The government’s claim followed the suspension of the industrial action earlier embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN.
Similarly, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, in a separate statement, assured the workers that the state remained committed to the principles of judicial independence and fiscal responsibility.
However, the coalition lamented the government’s inability to implement the promises, stating that the judicial workers are tired of the lip services.
