Ondo Judiciary Workers’ Strike,  Constitutional Crisis – SDP

By Ayodele Oni

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has described the ongoing strike by judiciary workers in the state, as a constitutional crisis triggered by the state government’s failure to grant financial autonomy to the judiciary.

In a statement by the State Chairman of the party, Barrister Gbenga Akinbuli, the SDP said the prolonged work boycott goes beyond an industrial dispute and strikes at the heart of constitutional governance.

“This isn’t just a labour dispute; it’s a constitutional crisis,” Akinbuli stated, noting that the party had earlier warned about the looming consequences of the government’s continued disregard for the constitutional provision on judicial autonomy.

According to him, the shutdown of courts across Ondo State has inflicted serious hardship on residents, particularly the poor and vulnerable.

He lamented that hundreds of citizens are currently languishing in police custody without access to justice, while commercial activities and dispute resolution mechanisms have been severely disrupted.

Akinbuli also warned that victims and survivors of violent crimes are left exposed, with no functional justice system to guarantee protection or redress.

He said the prolonged inaction of the government is steadily crippling the judiciary and eroding public confidence in the rule of law.

The SDP chairman further linked the strike to years of neglect of judicial infrastructure in the state, describing many court facilities as depleted, cramped and poorly equipped.

He argued that without financial autonomy, the Chief Judge lacks the capacity to initiate critical reforms, including court renovations and the introduction of modern technologies such as digital court interpreters to enhance accuracy and efficiency in legal proceedings.

Expressing disappointment at what he described as the silence of the Attorney General of Ondo State, Akinbuli stated that a more proactive response was expected from the state’s chief law officer given the gravity of the situation.

“Are we really waiting for a complete breakdown of the justice system?” he asked, stressing that the unfolding crisis reflects poorly on the priorities of the current administration.

He therefore called on the Ondo State Government to urgently engage the judiciary in constructive dialogue and address the issues responsible for the strike, insisting that the people deserve a functional, independent and effective justice system.

“We shouldn’t have to beg the state government to do what is right,” Akinbuli added, adding that safeguarding the judiciary is a collective responsibility critical to democratic governance.