Ondo judiciary workers strike a constitutional crisis – SDP

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has expressed deep concern over the ongoing judicial strike in the state, describing the situation as a constitutional crisis caused by the failure of the state government to grant financial autonomy to the judiciary.

In a statement issued and made available to newsmen, the Ondo State Chairman of the party, Gbenga Akinbuli, said the shutdown of courts across the state was the direct outcome of what he described as the government’s persistent disregard for constitutional provisions.

He stated that the issue had gone beyond an industrial dispute, warning that the continued paralysis of the judiciary posed a serious threat to democratic governance and the rule of law.

According to Akinbuli, the prolonged strike has imposed severe hardship on citizens, particularly those awaiting trial. He noted that many individuals remain in police custody due to the non-functioning of the courts, while commercial activities and access to justice have been significantly disrupted.

He added that victims and survivors of violence are left vulnerable in the absence of a working judicial system.

The SDP chairman further attributed the crisis to years of neglect of judicial infrastructure in the state, describing many court facilities as inadequate and poorly equipped.

He argued that the absence of financial autonomy limits the ability of the Chief Judge to implement necessary reforms, including the renovation of courtrooms and the introduction of modern tools such as digital interpretation facilities aimed at improving efficiency and accuracy in legal proceedings.

He also criticised the perceived lack of response from the Attorney General of the state, noting that as the chief law officer, a more decisive intervention was expected.

Akinbuli warned that continued silence and inaction could further undermine public confidence in the justice system and deepen institutional decay.

Calling for urgent action, the SDP urged the Ondo State Government to engage the judiciary through meaningful dialogue and resolve the issues responsible for the strike.

Akinbuli stressed that an independent and functional judiciary remains central to democracy and social stability, adding that compliance with constitutional obligations should not be optional but a priority in the interest of the people of the state.