Judicial operations across Ondo State have been completely suspended following the start of an indefinite strike by key court officials. The industrial action, which began on Monday, January 5, 2026, has brought all court activities to a standstill.
Total Shutdown of Court Activities
The strike was called by the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers of the Ondo State Judiciary. In a notice issued on January 2, 2026, the coalition directed its members to commence an indefinite strike effective immediately.
The directive is total and uncompromising. Members are strictly barred from performing any official duties, which includes reporting to their offices or presiding over court sessions. Furthermore, magistrates and court officials are prohibited from issuing, signing, or authorizing any court orders or legal documents for the duration of the strike.
Visual evidence from across the state confirmed a total shutdown, with court premises locked and padlocked in compliance with the strike order.
Core Demands: Autonomy and Welfare
The coalition has stated that the strike will remain in force until their demands for judicial autonomy and improved welfare are fully met. They have vowed not to compromise on these fundamental principles and have urged members to remain united and resolute.
This action follows long-standing grievances by judiciary workers concerning poor working conditions and decaying infrastructure. As recently as December 31, 2025, workers raised alarms over dilapidated court facilities, noting that rainfall frequently disrupts court sittings and cripples operations. They have also consistently decried poor welfare conditions, which they argue undermine the justice system under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
Governor Aiyedatiwa's Development Pledge
Amid the judicial crisis, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his commitment to the strict implementation of the state's 2026 budget, which he recently signed into law. Speaking during the first working day prayer meeting for 2026 in Akure, the governor described the budget as critical for sustaining Ondo’s development.
He urged all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to commence work promptly, emphasizing that the people's expectations must be met with swift project delivery. Aiyedatiwa called on public servants to place the state's broader interest above their own and urged citizens to support the government with optimism and patriotism.
The governor also listed several achievements from the past year, including:
- Construction and rehabilitation of 190 kilometres of roads.
- Construction and renovation of 280 classrooms across primary, secondary, and technical schools.
- Perimeter fencing of a substantial number of schools.
- Renovation and new construction of 112 health centres.
- Expansion of a solar lighting initiative from Akure to all local councils.
On economic projects, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the revalidation of the Ondo Deep Sea Port licence and ongoing arrangements for a refinery and petrochemical industries in the Free Trade Zone. His administration is also reviving moribund industries like the Ifon Ceramic Industry and the Okitipupa Oil Mill.
Regarding workers, the governor stated that regular promotions, prompt salary payments, and steady settlement of inherited gratuities for retirees have been sustained. He also commended labour union leaders for their cooperation in maintaining industrial peace.
In his exhortation, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, challenged leaders and senior civil servants to embrace purpose-driven leadership, integrity, and sacrifice for the common good.
As the strike continues with no end in sight, the standoff between the judiciary workers and the state government presents a significant challenge to the administration of justice in Ondo State.
