In June 2025, it was reported that the Ondo State government claimed it had granted financial autonomy for the judiciary workers, following the suspension of the industrial action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
The Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers across Ondo State has announced its intention to withdraw services with effect from 5 January 2026.
SaharaReporters learnt that the decision of the top judiciary officers followed what it described as the "continued lip service by the State Executive to the issue of financial autonomy for the Judiciary."
The Coalition stated that 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 an effective justice delivery system.
SaharaReporters gathered that this position was communicated in a letter dated December 10, 2025, which was formally submitted to the offices of the Honourable Chief Judge of Ondo State and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Ondo State, on 17 and 18 December 2025 respectively.
According to the Coalition, its members have been subjected to persistent denial of several welfare entitlements, including the provision of official vehicles, improved allowances, and other essential support necessary for the effective discharge of their duties.
In June 2025, it was reported that the Ondo State government claimed it had granted financial autonomy for the judiciary workers, following the suspension of the industrial action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
This had been announced in a statement by the Secretary of JUSUN, Alade Kehinde in Akure.
Alade had said the decision came after a meeting with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
According to him, the governor’s intervention came after the two weeks’ strike had been suspended.
He had said the government had made a commitment to set up a committee and begin the implementation of the autonomy from next month.
"Arising from the state administrative council of JUSUN Ondo State and due consultations with our national headquarters, we considered the following and resolved to suspend the ongoing Ondo State JUSUN industrial action,’’ he said.
"Commitment on the part of the state government to implement our demands on compliance with the provision of the law on release of funds to the Ondo State judiciary.
“Commitment on the part of the state government to constitute a committee to work within a reasonable timeframe to fast track the implementation in July 2025,” Alade had said in the statement.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), had also assured the workers that the state remained committed to the principles of judicial independence and fiscal responsibility.
In a statement to commend the workers for calling off their strike, Ajulo had stated that the Aiyedatiwa government would continue to work with stakeholders to ensure peaceful industrial relations.
He had claimed that “judicial autonomy is guaranteed, noting that what is required is for parties involved to demonstrate understanding and seek proper clarification on its practical implementation.”