The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has strongly criticized Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration over the ongoing industrial action by state judiciary workers, which has paralyzed court activities for the past week. The party urged the government to swiftly address the demands of the striking workers.
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) workers in the state commenced an indefinite strike after a seven-day ultimatum, issued on June 4, 2025, expired without the government addressing alleged reneged agreements from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on May 20, 2015. This information was conveyed in a statement jointly issued by Afolabi Oluwafemi and Alade Kehinde, the union’s chairman and secretary, respectively.
The union’s action stems from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s alleged failure to implement the signed MoU, specifically regarding the release of funds to the state judiciary in line with principles of financial autonomy.
The SDP, in a statement made available by its Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Akinbuli, on Sunday, expressed profound disappointment with the state government’s inability to honor the MoU on the judiciary’s financial autonomy. The opposition party also placed blame on the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Kayode Ajulo, for his perceived failure to provide sound advice to the governor on the matter.
Akinbuli’s statement read, “Waking up to the news of the JUSUN strike in Ondo State which has persisted for over a week now has brought utter dismay and disappointment. The state government’s blatant disregard for the MOU granting financial autonomy to the judiciary is a stark reminder of their authoritarian tendencies and lack of commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
He specifically targeted the Attorney General, stating, “I am particularly appalled by the inactions of the Attorney General, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, who as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, should know better. His failure to advise the government accordingly and ensure that the rule of law is upheld is a betrayal of the trust reposed in him. As a SAN, he should be ashamed of himself for allowing this situation to escalate to this point. It’s laughable that someone with his experience and stature would fail to guide the government on the importance of respecting the judiciary’s autonomy. His inaction is a clear indication of his complicity in the government’s anti-judiciary agenda.”
Akinbuli, himself a lawyer, voiced empathy for the striking workers. “As a lawyer, I understand the struggles of JUSUN and the importance of financial autonomy to the effective functioning of the judiciary. Given the present economic situation of the country, I can only imagine the hardship that the judiciary staff must be going through. The rising cost of living caused by the government of the day, coupled with the government’s neglect of the judiciary, must be taking a toll on their welfare. It’s unconscionable that the government would prioritise other sectors over the judiciary, which is the backbone of our democracy.”
Akinbuli reiterated that the alleged disregard for the MoU and the judiciary’s autonomy by the state government signifies “a clear indication of contempt for the rule of law and the Constitution.”
Despite his strong criticism of the government, Akinbuli appealed to JUSUN to reconsider their indefinite strike, warning that it “might ultimately hurt the very people it is meant to protect.” He highlighted the potential negative consequences, stating, “The absence of the judiciary from the courts will have far-reaching consequences, including delays in the dispensation of justice, prolonged detention of suspects awaiting trial, and denial of bail to those who are entitled to it.”
He concluded his appeal to the union: “I appeal to JUSUN to consider the plight of the common man and the litigants who are suffering as a result of the strike. I urge them to return to work and explore alternative solutions to resolve their differences with the state government. The government may not be willing to listen, but I’m sure the judiciary staff’s return to work will put pressure on them to take their demands seriously.”
However, in a reaction to the SDP’s comments and the ongoing strike, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan, expressed optimism for a swift resolution. “The governor is aware of the demands of JUSUN and those demands are currently being addressed. Those issues will be resolved soon,” Adeniyan assured.
