SDP Chairman blasts Ondo Govt over failure to implement judicial autonomy

By Boye Oyeyemi

Barrister Gbenga Akinbuli, Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, has faulted the state government for allegedly reneging on its commitment to judicial financial autonomy, describing the action as a betrayal of constitutional governance.

In a strongly worded statement, Akinbuli expressed dismay over what he termed the administration’s drift toward authoritarianism, urging it to honour the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on judicial independence.

He singled out the state’s Attorney General, Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), accusing him of failing to guide the government properly on its legal responsibilities and the constitutional mandate for judicial autonomy.

“It is disappointing that someone of Dr. Ajulo’s standing would overlook the need to advise the government on such a critical issue. His failure to act appropriately is troubling,” Akinbuli said.

The SDP chairman further suggested that if Ajulo could not uphold the values of his office, he should return to private legal practice in Abuja.

He noted that the ongoing crisis not only discredits the Attorney General’s office but also erodes public trust in the legal system, adding, “His silence can only be seen as complicity in a broader anti-judiciary stance.”

Akinbuli also appealed to the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to weigh the impact of their indefinite strike on the justice system and the general public, while acknowledging the legitimacy of their demands.

He urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently initiate dialogue with judicial workers and implement the financial autonomy granted to the judiciary by law, warning that “justice delayed is justice denied.”