Ondo State Courtrooms Closed Following Judiciary Staff Strike

Courts across Ondo State have come to a grinding halt as the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State chapter, launched an indefinite strike on Friday, effectively freezing all legal activities statewide. Judges, lawyers, and litigants were locked out of court premises, with entrances to key judicial complexes like the Akure Division of the State High Court and Magistrates’ Court barricaded.

The union’s chairman, Oluwafemi Afolabi, confirmed the industrial action to journalists, explaining that the state government had been served a seven-day ultimatum a week prior. That ultimatum expired without action, prompting the union to act.

“All members have been directed to remain off duty from June 13, 2025, until further notice. The strike must be observed in full compliance with our guidelines,” Afolabi stated.

At the heart of the walkout is the state government’s alleged failure to implement key provisions of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) guaranteeing financial autonomy for the state’s judiciary. According to Afolabi, the strike affects judicial operations across all 18 local government areas.

In a statement released by JUSUN Secretary Kehinde Alade, the union accused the state government of breaching parts of the MOU that had been in limbo since 2015. “The government’s continued refusal to implement agreed terms has taken a toll on our members,” the statement read.

A recent meeting on Wednesday between union leaders and representatives of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration ended in a stalemate. According to a source close to the State Attorney General Kayode Ajulo, “The dialogue ended in a deadlock. No progress was made between both parties.”

The silence from the Attorney General’s office only deepens the uncertainty, as judicial paralysis spreads through the state’s legal system.