Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers in Ondo State have suspended their two-week-old industrial action following agreements with the State Government.
The suspension was announced on Monday night in a statement jointly signed by Mrs O. Edwin, Mr Segun Rotiba, and Mrs Agbomola.
The judicial officers, under the aegis of the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers in the Ondo State Judiciary, on January 5, 2026, embarked on an indefinite strike in pursuit of judicial autonomy and improved welfare.
In a notice dated January 2, 2026, and addressed to all Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and legal research officers, the coalition directed its members to withdraw their services indefinitely.
Following the action, courts across the state were shut as magistrates, customary court presidents, and members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) downed tools.
The striking judicial officers accused the State Government of failing to implement financial autonomy for the judiciary and address long-standing welfare concerns.
However, in the statement obtained by The Nation in Akure, the judiciary workers said the decision to suspend the strike followed a series of meetings and engagements with the executive arm of government led by Governor Aiyedatiwa and other critical stakeholders.
The engagements, according to the workers, were led by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Mr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), and involved the leadership of JUSUN, members of the coalition and government representatives.
They stated that key issues raised during the meetings were favourably considered by the government.
The judicial officers noted that after what they described as a “painstaking but realistic agreement,” the government demonstrated also good faith and commitment towards the immediate implementation of financial autonomy and other demands earlier presented.
Consequently, the coalition directed all its members to resume work from Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
