Ondo Judiciary Crippled as Workers Accuse Governor Aiyedatiwa of Budget Cuts and Neglect

Judicial operations across Ondo State have collapsed amid accusations that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is weakening the judiciary by slashing its budget, granting only limited autonomy, and ignoring welfare concerns. Workers say the judiciary’s allocation was cut from about ₦17 billion in 2025 to ₦9.5 billion for 2026, a nearly 45 per cent reduction they warn will cripple court functions.

Judicial staff claim that the so-called “80 per cent autonomy” the governor approved applies only to recurrent expenditure and completely excludes capital funding, leaving critical infrastructure and operations unfunded.

Court buildings are reported to be in disrepair, with leaking roofs and dilapidated facilities, while judges and court officers are forced to use outdated vehicles and public transport. Workers also say ₦400 million previously approved for judiciary needs has not been released, deepening distrust in government commitment to reform.

The crisis has triggered an indefinite strike by magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts, legal research officers, and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), with workers even locking judges out of the Ondo State Judiciary Headquarters in Akure.

Unions reportedly walked away from negotiations with the governor after failing to secure a commitment to full financial autonomy as enshrined in the Constitution. With courts shut and litigants stranded, legal practitioners say the paralysis of the judiciary raises serious concerns about access to justice and the rule of law in the state.

Key Issues Highlighted:

Drastic budget reduction for the judiciary.

“Partial autonomy” excluding capital funding.

Poor welfare and inadequate facilities for judicial officers.

Prolonged strike and shutdown of court activities statewide.