The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of failing to end the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), which has shut down courts across the state.
Speaking in Akure, the SDP State Chairman, Gbenga Akinbuli, condemned the government’s failure to implement financial autonomy for the judiciary, as outlined in a signed Memorandum of Understanding. He described the situation as a clear abuse of power and disregard for the rule of law.
Akinbuli also pointed fingers at the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo SAN, accusing him of staying silent while the strike lingers. He said Dr. Ajulo’s inaction was disappointing, especially given his senior status in the legal profession. According to Akinbuli, a true legal advocate should never ignore a crisis that affects the courts and the public.
He urged Dr. Ajulo to either intervene effectively or step down and return to his private law practice. Akinbuli called the ongoing court closure a direct attack on democracy, noting that ordinary people are being denied justice while the government looks the other way.
The SDP appealed to JUSUN to consider the impact of the strike on citizens but maintained that the responsibility lies with the state government. Akinbuli insisted that judicial independence is not optional—it is a constitutional duty.
He urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to take urgent steps to resolve the crisis by engaging with the judiciary workers and granting them full financial autonomy.
