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Ondo Government Under Fire as Judiciary Workers Lock Out Judges, Shut Courts in Statewide Strike Over Judicial Autonomy and Welfare
The Ondo State government is facing growing criticism after judiciary workers shut down court operations across the state, locking judges out of their offices and bringing judicial activities to a standstill in Akure and other locations. At the judiciary headquarters, court gates were padlocked, with judges’ official vehicles seen parked outside as proceedings were completely halted.
The disruption follows an indefinite strike declared by the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers over unresolved issues of judicial autonomy, poor welfare, and working conditions under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. In a notice dated January 2, 2026, the coalition directed all members to withdraw their services from January 5, warning them not to report to offices, sit in court, or issue or authorize any official documents for the duration of the strike.
The coalition stated that the action would continue until its “core demands for judicial autonomy and improved welfare are fully achieved,” emphasizing unity and discipline among members. Videos and photographs obtained from court premises across the state showed locked gates and a total shutdown of judicial activities.
The strike comes amid longstanding complaints by judiciary workers about dilapidated court infrastructure and poor working conditions, with reports that rainfall often forces the suspension of court sessions. As the impasse continues, legal processes in Ondo State remain paralysed, intensifying pressure on the state government to address the demands of judicial workers and restore access to justice.
The Ondo State government is facing growing criticism after judiciary workers shut down court operations across the state, locking judges out of their offices and bringing judicial activities to a standstill in Akure and other locations. At the judiciary headquarters, court gates were padlocked, with judges’ official vehicles seen parked outside as proceedings were completely halted.
The disruption follows an indefinite strike declared by the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers over unresolved issues of judicial autonomy, poor welfare, and working conditions under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. In a notice dated January 2, 2026, the coalition directed all members to withdraw their services from January 5, warning them not to report to offices, sit in court, or issue or authorize any official documents for the duration of the strike.
The coalition stated that the action would continue until its “core demands for judicial autonomy and improved welfare are fully achieved,” emphasizing unity and discipline among members. Videos and photographs obtained from court premises across the state showed locked gates and a total shutdown of judicial activities.
The strike comes amid longstanding complaints by judiciary workers about dilapidated court infrastructure and poor working conditions, with reports that rainfall often forces the suspension of court sessions. As the impasse continues, legal processes in Ondo State remain paralysed, intensifying pressure on the state government to address the demands of judicial workers and restore access to justice.
Ondo Government Under Fire as Judiciary Workers Lock Out Judges, Shut Courts in Statewide Strike Over Judicial Autonomy and Welfare
The Ondo State government is facing growing criticism after judiciary workers shut down court operations across the state, locking judges out of their offices and bringing judicial activities to a standstill in Akure and other locations. At the judiciary headquarters, court gates were padlocked, with judges’ official vehicles seen parked outside as proceedings were completely halted.
The disruption follows an indefinite strike declared by the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers over unresolved issues of judicial autonomy, poor welfare, and working conditions under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. In a notice dated January 2, 2026, the coalition directed all members to withdraw their services from January 5, warning them not to report to offices, sit in court, or issue or authorize any official documents for the duration of the strike.
The coalition stated that the action would continue until its “core demands for judicial autonomy and improved welfare are fully achieved,” emphasizing unity and discipline among members. Videos and photographs obtained from court premises across the state showed locked gates and a total shutdown of judicial activities.
The strike comes amid longstanding complaints by judiciary workers about dilapidated court infrastructure and poor working conditions, with reports that rainfall often forces the suspension of court sessions. As the impasse continues, legal processes in Ondo State remain paralysed, intensifying pressure on the state government to address the demands of judicial workers and restore access to justice.
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