Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the payment of three months’ salary arrears owed to staff of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO). The announcement came on Monday following the Governor’s intervention in the ongoing labour crisis between the institution’s management and its workers.
This development comes as a major relief for the affected workers, who had long awaited their entitlements. The decision also reflects the Governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare and labour harmony across the state. With this move, Ondo State takes a strong position on prompt salary payment and financial responsibility in the education sector.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also held a crucial meeting with the leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State branch, as part of efforts to end the ongoing strike by judiciary workers in the state.
JUSUN had embarked on an indefinite strike on June 13, 2025, over what they described as the failure of the state government to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on financial autonomy for the judiciary.
After detailed discussions, the Governor directed the formation of a committee to handle the modalities for releasing funds to the judiciary. The committee will include government officials and union leaders and will be chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said, “This administration remains committed to promoting the interests of the judiciary. We will continue to do everything necessary to support and enhance the welfare of judicial workers in Ondo State.”
The chairman of Ondo JUSUN, Oluwafemi Afolabi, who led the union’s delegation, acknowledged the Governor’s efforts. “We appreciate the Governor for his prompt attention to the needs of judiciary workers, including the ongoing work on the new judiciary complex in Akure and the appointment of more judges in the State High Court,” he said.
He also praised the administration for the regular payment of salaries and improving the general welfare of workers across the state. Afolabi added that the union would relay the outcome of the meeting to its members and that the strike would soon be called off.
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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; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Comrade Bola Taiwo.