BREAKING: Judicial Activities Shut Down Across Ondo State As Magistrates, Customary Court Presidents, Legal Officers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Autonomy, Welfare
Judicial activities across Ondo State have been completely paralysed following the commencement of an indefinite strike by magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts, and legal research officers. The strike, which took effect on Monday, January 5, 2026, was declared by the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers in protest against unresolved issues bordering on judicial autonomy and poor welfare conditions.
In a notice dated January 2, 2026, the coalition directed all its members to withdraw from official duties indefinitely, warning them against reporting to offices, sitting in court, or issuing, signing, or authorising any judicial orders or documents throughout the duration of the strike. The group insisted that the industrial action would not be suspended until its core demands are fully met, stressing that judicial independence and improved welfare are non-negotiable.
Videos and photographs obtained on Monday showed court premises across the state locked and deserted, confirming a total shutdown of judicial operations. The strike follows long-standing complaints by judiciary workers over deteriorating court infrastructure, poor working conditions, and inadequate welfare, issues they say have worsened under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The action is jointly backed by key judicial associations in the state, signalling a united front that could further deepen the justice sector crisis if the dispute remains unresolved.
Judicial activities across Ondo State have been completely paralysed following the commencement of an indefinite strike by magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts, and legal research officers. The strike, which took effect on Monday, January 5, 2026, was declared by the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers in protest against unresolved issues bordering on judicial autonomy and poor welfare conditions.
In a notice dated January 2, 2026, the coalition directed all its members to withdraw from official duties indefinitely, warning them against reporting to offices, sitting in court, or issuing, signing, or authorising any judicial orders or documents throughout the duration of the strike. The group insisted that the industrial action would not be suspended until its core demands are fully met, stressing that judicial independence and improved welfare are non-negotiable.
Videos and photographs obtained on Monday showed court premises across the state locked and deserted, confirming a total shutdown of judicial operations. The strike follows long-standing complaints by judiciary workers over deteriorating court infrastructure, poor working conditions, and inadequate welfare, issues they say have worsened under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The action is jointly backed by key judicial associations in the state, signalling a united front that could further deepen the justice sector crisis if the dispute remains unresolved.
BREAKING: Judicial Activities Shut Down Across Ondo State As Magistrates, Customary Court Presidents, Legal Officers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Autonomy, Welfare
Judicial activities across Ondo State have been completely paralysed following the commencement of an indefinite strike by magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts, and legal research officers. The strike, which took effect on Monday, January 5, 2026, was declared by the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers in protest against unresolved issues bordering on judicial autonomy and poor welfare conditions.
In a notice dated January 2, 2026, the coalition directed all its members to withdraw from official duties indefinitely, warning them against reporting to offices, sitting in court, or issuing, signing, or authorising any judicial orders or documents throughout the duration of the strike. The group insisted that the industrial action would not be suspended until its core demands are fully met, stressing that judicial independence and improved welfare are non-negotiable.
Videos and photographs obtained on Monday showed court premises across the state locked and deserted, confirming a total shutdown of judicial operations. The strike follows long-standing complaints by judiciary workers over deteriorating court infrastructure, poor working conditions, and inadequate welfare, issues they say have worsened under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The action is jointly backed by key judicial associations in the state, signalling a united front that could further deepen the justice sector crisis if the dispute remains unresolved.
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