Aiyedatiwa Clears RUGIPO Salary Arrears, Moves to End Judiciary Strike
By Exponent News, Akure | June 24, 2025
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the immediate payment of three months’ salary arrears owed to staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), in a decisive intervention to end the lingering labour unrest in the institution.
The approval, which came on Monday, followed the Governor’s personal involvement in addressing the face-off between the polytechnic’s management and its workforce. The salary arrears had been a source of discontent among staff, sparking industrial tension in the institution.
In a separate move, Governor Aiyedatiwa also held a crucial meeting on Monday with the leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State chapter, in a bid to resolve issues surrounding the ongoing strike action by judiciary workers.
The judiciary staff had commenced an indefinite strike on June 13, 2025, citing the State Government’s failure to fully implement financial autonomy as agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Addressing the matter, the Governor directed the formation of a high-powered committee to work out modalities for the effective release of funds to the judiciary in compliance with the autonomy agreement. The committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, and will include representatives of the union and government officials.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the independence of the judiciary and the welfare of its workers, noting that the government has consistently prioritized judicial reforms and infrastructure.
Speaking at the meeting, JUSUN State Chairman, Comrade Oluwafemi Afolabi, reiterated the demands of the union and expressed appreciation to the Governor for his administration’s strides in the judiciary, including the appointment of more judges and the ongoing construction of a modern judiciary complex in Akure.
He also commended the Governor for the consistent payment of salaries and general improvement in workers’ welfare across the state.
Afolabi assured the Governor that the resolutions reached would be communicated to JUSUN members with a view to calling off the strike.
Present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN; Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowumi Isaac; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Comrade Bola Taiwo.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State
June 24, 2025
