Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and Legal Research Officers in Ondo State have suspended their two-week-old industrial action following agreements reached with the state government.
The suspension was announced on Monday night in a joint statement signed by Mrs. O. Edwin, Mr. Segun Rotiba, and Mrs. Agbomola. The judicial officers had embarked on an indefinite strike on January 5, 2026, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers in the Ondo State Judiciary, to press for judicial financial autonomy and improved welfare.
The strike, which followed a notice issued on January 2, 2026, led to the shutdown of courts across the state as magistrates, customary court presidents, and members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) withdrew their services. The officers had accused the state government of failing to implement financial autonomy for the judiciary and address long-standing welfare issues.
In the statement obtained in Akure, the coalition said the decision to suspend the strike came after a series of meetings and engagements with the executive arm of government, led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alongside other key stakeholders. The discussions were coordinated by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Mr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN), and involved JUSUN leaders, coalition members, and government representatives.
According to the judicial officers, the state government favourably considered the key issues raised and demonstrated good faith and commitment toward the immediate implementation of financial autonomy and other agreed demands.
Following what they described as a “painstaking but realistic agreement,” the coalition directed all its members to resume work from Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
