Judicial activities across Ondo State were on Monday brought to a halt following the commencement of an indefinite strike by magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts and legal research officers over unresolved issues of judicial autonomy and welfare.
The strike was declared by the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers, Ondo State Judiciary, in a notice dated January 2, 2026, and addressed to members across the state.
In the notice, the coalition directed all members to embark on an indefinite strike, stressing that the action would be total and uncompromising. Members were barred from performing any official duties, including reporting to offices, sitting in court or acting in any official capacity throughout the period of the strike.
The directive also prohibited magistrates and court officials from issuing, signing, endorsing or authorising any court order, process, directive or document, whether physically or remotely, for the duration of the industrial action.
According to the coalition, the strike would remain in force until all demands relating to judicial autonomy and improved welfare were fully met.
“This strike action shall remain in force until our collective demands for judicial autonomy and improved welfare are fully achieved,” the notice read. “We will not compromise on these fundamental principles.”
Members were urged to remain united and disciplined, with assurances that updates would be communicated as developments occur.
Videos and photographs obtained on Monday showed court premises across the state locked and padlocked, confirming a total shutdown of judicial activities.
The strike followed longstanding complaints by judiciary workers over poor working conditions and deteriorating infrastructure. On December 31, 2025, workers raised concerns over the dilapidated state of court facilities, lamenting that rainfall often disrupts court sittings and judicial operations. They also decried poor welfare conditions, which they said continued to undermine the justice system under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Meanwhile, the governor has reaffirmed his commitment to the strict implementation of the 2026 budget, recently signed into law. He described the budget as critical to sustaining Ondo State’s development trajectory, noting that it contains provisions aimed at improving all sectors of the state.
Speaking during the first working-day prayer meeting for 2026 in Akure, Aiyedatiwa urged ministries, departments and agencies to commence work promptly, stressing that public expectations must be matched with effective delivery of projects and programmes.
He called on public servants and political officeholders to prioritise the collective interest of the state, while urging citizens to support government efforts by fulfilling their obligations and embracing the new year with optimism and patriotism.
The governor highlighted achievements recorded in the past year, including the construction and rehabilitation of 190 kilometres of roads, the construction and renovation of 280 classrooms across primary, secondary and technical schools, and the fencing of several school premises.
In the health sector, he said the renovation and construction of 112 health centres awarded in 2025 were nearing completion, while the solar lighting initiative launched in Akure was being extended to all local government areas.
Aiyedatiwa also cited progress in the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence, ongoing arrangements with development partners for a refinery and allied petrochemical industries in the Free Trade Zone, and plans to revive moribund industries such as the Ifon Ceramic Industry and Okitipupa Oil Mill.
Reaffirming his commitment to workers’ welfare, the governor said regular promotions, prompt payment of salaries and continued settlement of inherited gratuities for retirees had been sustained, adding that gradual recruitment would continue to ensure effective succession planning.
The Head of Service, Bayo Philip, said the public service had recorded steady and verifiable progress under the current administration.
In his exhortation, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, urged leaders and senior civil servants to embrace integrity, sacrifice and purpose-driven leadership in administering public resources for the common good.
