Ogun Judiciary Workers Issue 21-Day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Promotions and Allowances
The Ogun State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has issued a firm 21-day ultimatum to the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, demanding the immediate payment of outstanding promotion benefits and the restoration of a 10 per cent deduction from judiciary workers' allowances. This move comes amid growing frustration over the state government's failure to address long-standing financial grievances affecting judicial staff.
Deep Concerns Over Unpaid Salary Adjustments
In a strongly worded letter dated April 8, 2026, and addressed to the governor through the Head of Service, the union expressed "deep concern and disappointment" regarding the state government's inaction on salary adjustments for judiciary staff promoted since January 2025. The letter, signed by State Chairman Comrade (Lion) Ajiboye Olanrewaju Tunji and Assistant Secretary Comrade Adeyemo Adekanbi, highlighted that despite receiving promotion letters and assuming new roles, affected workers have not received the corresponding financial benefits.
"This is not only unacceptable and unconstitutional, but also a clear disregard for the rights of judiciary workers," the union stated, emphasizing the severe impact on morale and livelihoods within the judicial sector.
Constitutional Violations and Financial Autonomy Issues
JUSUN further criticized what it described as the continued control of judiciary workers' salaries and allowances by the Ogun State Government, arguing that this practice violates constitutional provisions that guarantee financial autonomy for the judiciary. Citing relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including Sections 81, 84, and 121, the union stressed that funds allocated for the judiciary should be released directly to the office of the Chief Judge to ensure independence and efficiency in the justice system.
The union's demands include:
- Immediate payment of all outstanding promotion benefits.
- Restoration of the 10 per cent deduction from CONJUSS allowances.
- Full compliance with resolutions reached at its executive meeting held on January 29, 2026.
Threat of Service Withdrawal and Stakeholder Involvement
The union warned that failure by the government to meet these demands within 21 days—effective from April 8, 2026—would result in the withdrawal of services by judiciary workers across the state, commencing on April 29, 2026. This potential strike action could disrupt court proceedings and judicial operations statewide, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Copies of the letter were distributed to key stakeholders to ensure broad awareness and pressure, including:
- The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
- The Chief Registrars of the High Court and Customary Court of Appeal.
- The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) across various branches in the state.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, were unsuccessful, as calls and a WhatsApp message sent to his known mobile number went unanswered at the time of reporting. This lack of response adds to the tension surrounding the issue, with judiciary workers awaiting decisive action from the state government to avert industrial action.
