Ondo Judicial Workers Strike: SDP Tasks Govt On Judicial Autonomy

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, Gbenga Akinbuli, has advised the State Attorney General, Olukoyede Ajulo, SAN, to resign in the face of his inability to advise Government on the autonomy of the Judiciary.

Akinbuli flayed the State Government’s continued disregard for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) granting financial autonomy to the judiciary.

Akinbuli, in a statement, expressed  disappointment and dismay over the government’s actions, which he described as “authoritarian tendencies and lack of commitment to upholding the rule of law.”

He specifically criticized Ajulo for failing to advise the government accordingly and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.

Akinbuli said it is laughable that someone with his experience and stature would fail to guide the government on the importance of respecting the judiciary’s autonomy.”

He urged the Attorney General to do the needful or resign and go back to his law practice in Abuja.

“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Ajulo should not have allowed the situation to degenerate,”

“His silence and inaction in the face of this crisis is a betrayal of the legal profession and a clear indication of complicity in the state’s anti-judiciary agenda.”

While condemning the government’s actions, Akinbuli also appealed to the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to reconsider the decision to embark on an indefinite strike, citing the potential consequences for the common man and litigants.

“The government needs to be held accountable for their actions, disregard for the judiciary’s autonomy and the rule of law is a threat to democracy.

“Judicial autonomy is a constitutional matter, not a subject of negotiation. The Ondo State Government must show respect for the rule of law. The continued closure of the courts is a direct attack on democracy and a denial of justice for ordinary citizens.

“The people of Ondo State deserve better, and it’s time for the government to prioritize the effective functioning of the judiciary.”

He called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to engage the striking workers and implement full financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with national and constitutional directives.