The Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State and prominent legal practitioner, Barrister Gbenga Akinbuli, has strongly criticized the Ondo State Government for its continued disregard of the constitutional mandate granting financial autonomy to the judiciary.
Speaking in response to the ongoing indefinite strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Akinbuli described the state government’s actions as authoritarian and a threat to democratic values. He emphasized that the refusal to implement financial independence for the judiciary contravenes both the Constitution and a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Akinbuli directed scathing criticism at the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, accusing him of complicity through inaction.
“It is laughable that someone with his experience and stature would fail to guide the government on the importance of respecting the judiciary’s autonomy,” Akinbuli said.
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Ajulo should not have allowed the situation to degenerate. His silence and inaction in the face of this crisis is a betrayal of the legal profession and a clear indication of complicity in the state’s anti-judiciary agenda.”
He further called on Dr. Ajulo to “do the needful or resign and return to his private legal practice in Abuja.”
While condemning the government’s stance, Akinbuli also appealed to the striking judiciary workers to reconsider the indefinite industrial action in light of its impact on the common man.
“The continued closure of the courts is a direct attack on democracy and a denial of justice for ordinary citizens,” he noted.
“Judicial autonomy is a constitutional matter, not a subject of negotiation.”
He urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to engage with JUSUN and implement full financial autonomy in accordance with national directives and constitutional provisions.
“The people of Ondo State deserve better. It’s time for the government to prioritize the effective functioning of the judiciary,” Akinbuli concluded.
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