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A call for resignation has been made by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, Nigeria, targeting the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, due to an ongoing strike by judicial workers. The strike, which began two weeks ago, was initiated by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in response to the state government’s alleged failure to implement full financial autonomy for the judiciary. This move has paralyzed court activities across all 18 local government areas of the state.

At the heart of the issue is the state government’s stance on financial autonomy for the judiciary, a principle enshrined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that guarantees judicial independence. The SDP State Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Akinbuli, has criticized the government’s attitude towards the strike, labeling it a deliberate affront to the rule of law. Akinbuli singled out Attorney General Kayode Ajulo, accusing him of failing to advise the government properly on complying with the MoU. He called Ajulo’s silence on the matter “a betrayal of justice” and demanded his resignation.

Akinbuli’s criticism is sharp, emphasizing that Ajulo’s inaction is a sign of complicity with the government’s anti-judiciary agenda. He suggested that Ajulo should either resign or return to his law practice, given his failure to guide the government on respecting judicial autonomy. Furthermore, Akinbuli condemned the state government’s actions, viewing them as contemptuous of the rule of law and the Constitution, highlighting the government’s reneging on its agreements as shameful.

While acknowledging the resolve of JUSUN members to demand their rights, Akinbuli also expressed concern over the strike’s impact on ordinary citizens. The strike has led to delays in judicial proceedings and denial of bail for suspects awaiting trial, prompting Akinbuli to urge judiciary workers to consider the broader implications of the prolonged shutdown.

In response, Attorney General Kayode Ajulo swiftly dismissed the call for his resignation, arguing that the situation is more complex than portrayed. Ajulo explained that the government’s delay in implementing financial autonomy is due to unresolved legal uncertainties surrounding the judgment on financial autonomy. He highlighted that the ruling lacks specific directives on allocation ratios and fund distribution among judicial bodies, leading the government to seek judicial interpretation through a formal appeal. This step, according to Ajulo, is necessary to avoid unconstitutional actions and ensure lawful compliance, reflecting the government’s commitment to the rule of law, institutional stability, and responsible governance.

The ongoing strike and the call for the Attorney General’s resignation underscore the deepening crisis in the judiciary, with implications for the rule of law and governance in Ondo State. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the parties involved will navigate the complexities of judicial autonomy and the demands of the striking workers, all while considering the broader impact on the state’s justice system and its citizens.