The judicial system in Ondo State has been plunged into a severe operational crisis following a drastic reduction in its annual budget by the state government. This move has triggered widespread protest from judges and magistrates, culminating in an indefinite strike that has shut down court activities across the state.
Deep Cuts and Broken Promises
Under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the financial allocation for the judiciary witnessed a sharp decline. The budget was slashed from N17 billion in the 2025 fiscal year to a mere N9.5 billion for 2026. This represents a reduction of more than 40 percent, severely crippling the arm of government.
While the state government announced an 80 percent financial autonomy for the judiciary, this approval applies only to recurrent expenditures. It explicitly excludes crucial capital projects needed for the judiciary's basic functioning. This means funds for court buildings, essential equipment, and official vehicles are not covered by the autonomy declaration.
Erosion of Judicial Infrastructure and Welfare
The budget cut has immediate and dire consequences. Senior judicial officers have raised the alarm that the new funding structure could lead to a 20 percent reduction in staff salaries in 2026. Beyond salaries, the courts are struggling to meet basic operational needs.
Court facilities across Ondo are reportedly in a deplorable state. Many buildings suffer from leaking roofs and experience flooding whenever it rains, forcing frequent adjournments and temporary closures of courtrooms. A senior magistrate, speaking anonymously, described the situation as "a slow erosion of the justice system," questioning how judicial independence can exist when courts cannot function physically.
The welfare of judicial officers has also been severely impacted. Despite reports that the governor approved ₦400 million for vehicle procurement since 2024, magistrates and Grade A Customary Court Presidents still rely on commercial motorcycles for official duties. Sources allege the Ministry of Finance has yet to release these funds. High Court judges are also using official vehicles that are over six years old, with requests for replacements ignored.
Strike Action and Democratic Implications
The culmination of these funding and welfare issues led to an indefinite strike by magistrates, court presidents, and legal research officers. Court premises were locked, bringing all judicial activities to a grinding halt.
Legal analysts and constitutional lawyers have expressed deep concern over the implications. They note that the judiciary has been central to resolving political and electoral disputes in Ondo State. A constitutional lawyer in Akure warned that "starving the judiciary of funds, whether deliberate or not, weakens democracy itself," emphasizing that the credibility of justice hinges on adequate funding and respect for judicial independence.
In response to the growing crisis, Governor Aiyedatiwa has pledged a strict implementation of the 2026 budget, maintaining that his administration is committed to improving all sectors of the state. However, with courts shut and judicial officers in protest, the path to resolving this constitutional impasse remains unclear.
