Ondo Judiciary Shut Down as Strike Enters Day 5, Government Silent
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State Chapter, says its indefinite strike will continue after a failed meeting with the state government over financial autonomy.
The union, which downed tools last Friday, declared on Tuesday that talks with the government have hit a dead end—and that the judiciary in the state will remain shut for as long as necessary.
JUSUN Secretary, Mr Kehinde Alade, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that a meeting with the Head of Service, Mr Philip Bayo, ended in a deadlock, and the government has shown little commitment to resolving the impasse.
“We’ve had no meaningful engagement from those who matter,” Alade said.
“The Governor and the Attorney General—those with the real mandate to negotiate—have yet to show any interest.”
He added that the HoS had asked the union to compromise its demands, but JUSUN refused, insisting that financial autonomy is non-negotiable.
“We’re not shifting ground,” Alade said.
“Until the state government becomes sensitive to our plight, the strike continues.”
A visit to the State High Court and magistrates’ courts in Akure revealed locked doors and deserted hallways. Judiciary activities across Ondo remain at a standstill.
The strike highlights growing tension over state-level compliance with constitutional provisions on judiciary autonomy—an issue JUSUN has championed nationwide.
