Judicial activities across Ondo State were on Monday, brought to a complete standstill following the commencement of an indefinite strike by magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts and legal research officers over unresolved issues of judicial autonomy and welfare.
The industrial action was declared by the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers, Ondo State Judiciary in a notice dated January 2, 2026, and addressed to all members across the state.
In the notice, the coalition directed its members to commence an indefinite strike from Monday, January 5, 2026, warning that the action would remain total and uncompromising.
Throughout the strike, members were strictly barred from performing any official duties, including reporting to offices, sitting in court or acting in any official capacity.
The directive also expressly prohibited magistrates and court officials from issuing, signing, endorsing or authorising any court order, process, directive or document, whether physically or remotely, for the duration of the strike.
According to the coalition, the strike would not be suspended until its demands are fully met.
“This strike action shall remain in force until our collective demands for judicial autonomy and improved welfare are fully achieved,” the notice stated. “We will not compromise on these fundamental principles.”
The coalition urged members to remain united and resolute, calling for discipline, unity and unwavering solidarity in support of the action, while assuring that updates would be communicated as developments unfold.
Videos and photographs obtained on Monday morning showed court premises across Ondo State locked and padlocked, confirming a total shutdown of judicial activities in compliance with the directive.
The strike follows longstanding grievances by judiciary workers in the state over poor working conditions and decaying infrastructure.
On December 31, 2025, judiciary workers had raised the alarm over the dilapidated state of court facilities, lamenting that rainfall frequently disrupts court sittings and cripples judicial operations.
They also decried poor welfare conditions, which they said have continued to undermine the justice system under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The strike notice was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (Ondo State Branch), the Chairman of the Association of Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts, and the Acting Chairman of the Association of Legal Research Officers, underscoring a united front by key judicial officers in the state.
With courts shut indefinitely, legal proceedings across Ondo State now hang in the balance as pressure mounts on the state government to address the demands of the striking judicial officers.
Ondo Judiciary grounded as Magistrates, Customary Court heads begin indefinite strike
