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Judiciary Strike: Aiyedatiwa, JUSUN Reach agreement to Suspend Industrial Action

The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has met with the leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State Branch and other key stakeholders as part of efforts to suspend the indefinite strike embarked on by judiciary workers.JUSUN had declared the strike three weeks ago to press for the immediate implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on May 20, 2015, regarding the release of funds to the Ondo State judiciary by the State Government in line with judiciary financial autonomy.Speaking with newsmen on Monday, the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, confirmed the Governor’s meeting with the stakeholders held on Monday 23rd June, 2025, where it was agreed that JUSUN should suspend the industrial action for further negotiations.Ajulo said the state government was awaiting the JUSUN to suspend the strike after an agreement with Governor Aiyedatiwa.Ajulo said, “the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) is layered with political complexity and requires thoughtful navigation.”The Honourable Attorney General who has remained actively engaged, demonstrating commendable leadership through continuous consultations and negotiations, spoke on his willingness to hold meetings directly at the JUSUN Secretariat or any other location convenient for the workers reflects a deep commitment to genuine dialogue and resolution.“JUSUN members are fully aware of the significant strides this administration has made in the justice sector. However, it is important to recognise that every administration may encounter resistance, often rooted in political undercurrents. That reality, however, does not diminish the progress already recorded under the current government’s watch.As the Attorney General has consistently emphasised, including in his earlier communications on the matter, “there are critical ambiguities surrounding the implementation of the judgment on financial autonomy. The Judgment obtained by some overzealous elements, while affirming autonomy, lacks specific directives on allocation ratios and the precise distribution of funds among various judicial bodies as well as other agencies of Government.“This lack of clarity and the setting aside of some provisions of Ondo State Judiciary Fund Management (Autonomy)  Law, 2021 has led the government to seek judicial interpretation through a formal appeal, a necessary step to avoid missteps and ensure lawful compliance.“What must be made clear is this: the government has neither acted in bad faith nor shown disregard for the judiciary. On the contrary, it has upheld the principles of the rule of law, opting for legal clarity rather than hasty, potentially unconstitutional action.“This approach reflects a deeper commitment to enduring reform, institutional stability, and responsible governance, a path that ultimately benefits the entire justice system.“Despite the ongoing legal appeal challenging the judgment, the Attorney General remains fully conscious of the vital role judicial workers play and the necessity of resolving outstanding issues through dialogue. He has already taken immediate steps to address the situation in a manner that will support the timely return of workers to their posts.“In fact, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa met with the leadership of the JUSUN to discuss and an agreement has been reached on a way forward in ensuring that their demands are met. And the HAG is optimistic about the calling off of the strike,” Ajulo said.When contacted on telephone, the Ondo State Chairman of JUSUN, Comrade Oluwafemi Afolabi also confirmed the meeting with Governor Aiyedatiwa, adding that the union was willing to suspend the strike once necessary circular that reflects the agreement is released by the state government.Source: Sunshinetruth