A meeting between Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and striking judiciary workers has ended without resolution, as the workers continue their indefinite strike over poor welfare and the government’s failure to grant financial autonomy to the judiciary. The strike, which began on Monday, has brought court activities across the state to a standstill.
The governor met with leaders of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and other judicial stakeholders on Thursday, but the talks collapsed after magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and JUSUN leaders rejected the proposed measures as insufficient. A top member of the union, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that the workers’ position remains unchanged: “no financial autonomy, no work.”
The strike has paralyzed the Ondo State judiciary, with courts locked and unable to function since Monday. The Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers in Ondo State are also participating in the indefinite strike, which was joined by JUSUN members on Tuesday. The development has raised concerns about the Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to the rule of law and institutional independence.
The striking workers are seeking improved welfare and financial autonomy for the judiciary, which they believe is essential for its independence and effective functioning. The Ondo State government has yet to meet these demands, leading to the ongoing strike. As the standoff continues, court activities remain suspended, and the fate of pending cases hangs in the balance.
The strike has significant implications for the administration of justice in Ondo State, highlighting the need for a resolution to the crisis. The state government and the striking workers must engage in meaningful negotiations to address the underlying issues and find a way forward. Until then, the judiciary will remain unable to function, and the people of Ondo State will be denied access to justice.
