JUSUN Strike: Ondo judiciary in comatose, NBA writes Aiyedatiwa
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised an alarm over the total collapse of the judicial system in Ondo State following an indefinite strike action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), which has paralyzed court activities statewide since June 13, 2025.
In a strongly-worded communiqué addressed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the NBA condemned the persistent failure of the state government to implement constitutionally mandated financial autonomy for the judiciary, a violation that they argue has crippled justice delivery.
The letter was signed by the chairpersons of the five NBA branches in Ondo State—Onimisi Umar (Akure), Omotola Odusola (Okitipupa), Henry Akingbesote (Ondo), Chief Kunie Ijalana (Owo), and Omotan Ogunmodede (Ikare-Akoko). The association painted a grim picture of the state’s judicial infrastructure, citing dilapidated buildings, unsafe courtrooms, and insufficient working materials.
“The judiciary in Ondo State is in a state of coma,” the communiqué declared. “Its absence threatens anarchy, abuse of power, and insecurity.”
The NBA pointed out that Sections 81(3)(c), 121(3), and 162(9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the Supreme Court’s ruling in A.G. Abia State & Ors. v. A.G. Federation (2022), affirm the judiciary’s financial autonomy. Yet, no funds have been released despite budgetary provisions, leading to a total breakdown in judicial services.
In shocking detail, the communiqué noted how the Okitipupa High Court—burnt during the 2020 EndSARS protest—has now become home to reptiles. Judges are forced to squat in magistrate courtrooms to hear cases. In other divisions like Ondo, Ikare, and Akure, courtrooms have leaky roofs and broken furniture, with buckets placed inside to catch rainwater during hearings.
Registry staff reportedly rely on commercial business centers to type confidential documents due to the lack of basic office equipment, an act the NBA decried as a security risk.
The association further accused the state government of using the judiciary as a cash cow. It condemned the mandatory use of an e-filing system managed by a third party, COMIS, which charges N1,000 per filing, as well as the establishment of new Oath Registries generating revenue directly for the state.
“This commercialization of justice is unacceptable,” the NBA said. “Justice is a right, not a revenue stream.”
The NBA also revealed that despite the Governor’s December 2024 approval of N400 million for magistrates’ vehicles, the funds have not been released. Furthermore, the official residence of the Chief Judge now lacks a fence—symbolic of the judiciary’s neglected state. For two years, the reconstruction budget has remained inaccessible.
According to the NBA, over N9 billion was appropriated in the 2025 budget for the judiciary and the Customary Court of Appeal, yet none of the funds have been disbursed. Meanwhile, the state receives no less than N15 billion monthly from the Federation Account.
The NBA acknowledged the construction of a Judicial Village in Akure but argued that such funds should be administered by the judiciary itself, which best understands its needs.
Quoting the revered Sapara Williams—“A lawyer lives for the direction of his people and the advancement of the cause of his country”—the NBA reiterated its constitutional duty to defend the rule of law.
The association gave the Governor 48 hours from receipt of the letter to respond and take action, emphasizing that a responsible government cannot function without its judiciary.
