Ondo magistrates call off strike, set to return to courts Tuesday

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Magistrates, presidents of Grade ‘A’ customary courts and legal research officers in Ondo State have suspended their two-week industrial action after reaching an agreement with the state government.

The decision was contained in a statement jointly signed by Mrs O. Edwin, Mr Segun Rotiba and Mrs Agbomola, announcing that members would resume duties from Tuesday.

The judicial officers, operating under the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers, had embarked on an indefinite strike on January 5, 2026, over demands for judicial autonomy and improved welfare.

Their action led to the shutdown of magistrates’ and customary courts across the state, as members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria also downed tools.

However, the coalition said the suspension followed a series of engagements with the executive arm of government and other stakeholders, facilitated by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kayode Ajulo (SAN).

According to the statement, the government agreed to key demands, including steps towards financial autonomy for the judiciary, provision of official vehicles and the introduction of a new salary structure for affected judicial officers.

The workers commended their members, as well as JUSUN and the Nigerian Bar Association, for their support during the strike, which was called off amid police concerns that prolonged court closures were hampering prosecutions and posing security risks.