Ondo legal officers embark on indefinite strike, shut Courts

Judicial activities across Ondo came to a complete halt on Monday as magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts, and legal research officers embarked on an indefinite strike over unresolved demands for judicial autonomy and improved welfare.

The strike, which took effect on Monday, January 5, 2026, followed a joint resolution by the leadership of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ondo State Branch; the Association of Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts; and the Association of Legal Research Officers.

In a notice dated January 2, 2026, and circulated to members of the associations, the leadership directed all members to withdraw their services and refrain from carrying out any official judicial duties until further notice.

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According to the notice, participants in the industrial action are barred from reporting to their duty posts, sitting in court, or issuing, signing, endorsing, or authorising any court orders, processes, or official documents, whether physically or through electronic or remote means.

The unions declared that the action would persist until the state government addresses their collective demands, which centre on full financial and administrative autonomy for the judiciary, improved welfare packages, and better working conditions.

The notice stated in part: “We hereby direct all our members to commence a strike action indefinitely with effect from Monday, 5th January 2026.

“During the pendency of the strike, all members are strictly prohibited from performing any official function or acting in their official capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to reporting to the office, sitting in court, issuing, signing, endorsing, or authorising any order, process, directive, or document, whether physically or remotely, for the entire duration of the strike.

“This strike action shall remain in force until our collective demands for judicial autonomy and improved welfare are fully achieved. We will not compromise on these fundamental principles.”

Members were further urged to remain united, disciplined, and law-abiding throughout the strike, with assurances that regular updates would be communicated as negotiations or developments unfold.

However, workers who reported for duty were forced to turn back home after finding the courts padlocked in compliance with the strike directive.

A visit to several court premises across the state on Monday morning revealed locked courtrooms and deserted premises, effectively confirming a total shutdown of judicial activities at the magistrate and customary court levels.

Litigants, lawyers, and members of the public were seen turning back from court premises, as scheduled hearings and proceedings could not be held due to the absence of judicial officers and support staff.

The industrial action comes amid longstanding complaints by judicial officers over what they describe as poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, and delays in implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the strike as of Monday afternoon.

However, sources within government circles indicated that consultations were ongoing to address the concerns raised by the striking judicial officers.

Some lawyers who spoke with Nigerian Tribune warned that a prolonged shutdown could worsen case backlogs in magistrate and customary courts across the state, urging prompt dialogue between the government and the unions to restore normal judicial operations.