Judicial Autonomy: Ondo Magistrates Announce Withdrawal Of Services
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.
In a letter dated December 10 and addressed to the state’s Chief Judge, the coalition indicated that the decision followed what it described as “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 and the provision of official vehicles.
The state government had, 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.
However, the coalition lamented the government’s inability to implement the promises, stating that the judicial workers are tired of the lip services.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
