Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has given the green light for the payment of three months’ salary arrears owed to staff of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
The governor’s decision followed his intervention in the industrial dispute between the polytechnic’s management and workers. The payment approval was announced on Monday as part of efforts to resolve the lingering issues at the institution.
In a separate development the same day, Governor Aiyedatiwa held a meeting with the leadership of the Ondo State branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to address the ongoing strike action by judiciary workers.
The union had declared an indefinite strike on June 13, 2025, over the state government’s alleged failure to fully implement the financial autonomy agreement for the judiciary, as contained in a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding.
During the meeting, the governor ordered the establishment of a committee to draw up a framework for the disbursement of funds to the judiciary, aimed at implementing its financial independence. The committee will include representatives from the union and government, and will be chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of judiciary staff, stating that the government has consistently supported the judicial arm of government.
Speaking at the meeting, Ondo JUSUN Chairman, Oluwafemi Afolabi, outlined the union’s demands and acknowledged the administration’s recent contributions to the judiciary. He particularly commended the appointment of new judges and the ongoing construction of a modern judiciary complex in Akure.
Afolabi also praised the government for the prompt payment of salaries and its focus on workers’ welfare. He assured that the outcome of the meeting would be presented to union members and expressed optimism that the strike would soon be suspended.
