Recent events in Ondo State present a troubling contradiction that demands urgent attention. At its 2025 Law Week, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, conferred on the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa the honor of Ambassador of the Rule of Law. Yet, across the state’s magistrate courts, judicial officers continue to commute to work on motorcycles and Keke NAPEP, a reality that starkly undermines the very ideals the award was meant to celebrate.
Magistrates and Customary Courts constitute the foundation of the justice system. They are the first point of judicial contact for most citizens, handling criminal trials, bail applications, family disputes, land matters, and enforcement of basic rights. Their effectiveness and independence are therefore central to public confidence in the rule of law.
Yet, despite their critical role, Magistrates in Ondo State have for years complained of poor remuneration, inappropriate salary placement, lack of official vehicles, and a retirement age that fails to reflect the value of judicial experience. These concerns, repeatedly communicated through formal channels, have not received commensurate attention from the state government.
Particularly disturbing is the issue of mobility. Funds were reportedly approved over a year ago for the provision of official vehicles for Magistrates. However, the continued reliance on public transport suggests a gap between budgetary approval and actual implementation. Beyond the personal discomfort involved, this situation raises serious concerns about security, dignity, and the authority of the courts.
In the current economic climate, the demand for a substantial salary review must also be viewed realistically. Inflation has significantly eroded purchasing power, and judicial officers are not immune to rising costs of food, transportation, housing, and healthcare. What is being sought is not extravagance, but a remuneration framework that reflects contemporary economic realities and preserves judicial independence.
The request for the placement of Magistrates and Grade ‘A’ Customary Court Presidents on Salary Grade Level 17, as well as the extension of retirement age from 60 to 65 years, aligns with prevailing standards in judicial administration. Such measures would strengthen institutional stability and enhance justice delivery across the state.
The warning by a coalition of Magistrates that they may withdraw their services by January 5, 2026, if these issues remain unresolved, should be taken seriously. A shutdown of magistrate courts would disrupt access to justice, disproportionately affecting ordinary citizens who rely on these courts for timely redress.
This situation calls for urgent and coordinated intervention. The Ondo State Government must engage decisively with the magistracy and move beyond approvals on paper to concrete implementation. The Ondo State House of Assembly has a duty of oversight, while the National Judicial Council should not ignore conditions that undermine judicial effectiveness.
The Nigerian Bar Association, particularly its branches within Ondo State, also has a critical role to play. As a key stakeholder in the justice sector, the NBA must lend its voice to efforts aimed at restoring dignity to the magistracy and safeguarding the integrity of the justice system.
Ultimately, the strength of the rule of law depends on how a society treats those entrusted with its administration. Ensuring that Magistrates in Ondo State work under conditions consistent with their responsibilities is not merely a welfare issue; it is a governance imperative. Ondo State must act promptly to correct this anomaly. The credibility of its justice system, and public confidence in governance itself, depend on it.
_Wale can be reached via waleobanigba@gmail.com_
