The Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Ondo State has called for the immediate resignation of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), over the strike action by judicial workers across the state.
Judiciary staff under the aegis of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, embarked on an indefinite strike two weeks ago, citing the state government’s alleged failure to implement full financial autonomy for the judiciary.
The strike has paralysed court activities across the 18 local government areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the SDP State Chairman, Mr Gbenga Akinbuli, criticised what he described as the state government’s nonchalant attitude toward the strike, labelling it a deliberate affront to the rule of law.
He particularly singled out the Attorney General, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, accusing him of failing in his statutory duty to advise the government on compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, that guarantees judicial independence.
Akinbuli described the Attorney General’s silence as “a betrayal of justice” and called for his resignation.
“As a SAN, he (Ajulo) should be ashamed of himself for allowing this situation to escalate to this point. It’s laughable that someone with his experience and stature would fail to guide the government on the importance of respecting the judiciary’s autonomy.
“His inaction is a clear indication of his complicity in the government’s anti-judiciary agenda. Kayode Ajulo should do the needful or resign and go back to his lucrative law practice in Abuja.
“I condemn the state government’s actions in the strongest possible terms. Their disregard for the MOU and the judiciary’s autonomy is a clear indication of their contempt for the rule of law and the Constitution. It’s shameful that the government would renege on its agreements and deny the judiciary its rightful autonomy,” he said.
While commending the resolve of JUSUN members to demand their rights, Akinbuli expressed concern about the impact of the strike on ordinary citizens.
He noted that the industrial action had led to delays in judicial proceedings and denial of bail for suspects awaiting trial, calling on judiciary workers to weigh the broader implications of the prolonged shutdown.
Reacting swiftly, Attorney General Kayode Ajulo dismissed the resignation call as unfounded, insisting that the matter is more nuanced than portrayed.
In a statement, Ajulo stated that the government’s delay in implementing financial autonomy stemmed from unresolved legal uncertainties, which have prompted the filing of an appeal.
“There are critical ambiguities surrounding the implementation of the judgment on financial autonomy. The ruling, while affirming autonomy, lacks specific directives on allocation ratios and the precise distribution of funds among various judicial bodies.
“This lack of clarity 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,” he said.
