Judicial workers in Ondo State have embarked on an indefinite strike action following the state government’s alleged failure to honor a long-standing agreement signed with the union.
The strike, which began on Friday, June 13, 2025, was announced by the Ondo State branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the state government on June 4, 2025.
The union said the industrial action became necessary due to the government’s refusal to implement the key provisions of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on May 20, 2015, particularly the aspect concerning financial autonomy for the judiciary.
In a statement jointly signed by the union’s chairman, Afolabi Oluwafemi, and secretary, Alade Kehinde, JUSUN expressed disappointment over the government’s silence and lack of action after repeated engagements.
“This decision follows the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum issued to the government of Ondo State on June 4, 2025,” the statement read.
“We perceived the lack of response from the government to address the reneged parts of the agreements outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on May 20, 2015.
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“This MoU contains the release of funds to the Ondo State judiciary by the state government in line with judiciary financial autonomy.”
The union emphasized the need for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to fully implement the agreement to uphold the independence of the judiciary.
“We, therefore, direct all our members to stay off duty starting from today, June 13, 2025, till further directive, and to adhere strictly to the industrial action guidelines,” the union leaders added.
Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Ondo State Government regarding the strike.
