The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, has criticized the Oyo State Government over the alleged failure to pay judges’ rent allowances for three years as well as their 2026 leave and vacation allowances.
The association described the delay as a development that could undermine judicial independence and affect the effective administration of justice in the state.
Documents obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicate that the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, wrote to Governor Seyi Makinde requesting the release of the outstanding payments.
In a letter dated June 5, 2026, the Chief Judge reportedly reminded the governor of the unpaid rent allowances covering 2024, 2025 and 2026, while also requesting that future payments be made promptly.
According to the correspondence, the Chief Judge is entitled to a monthly rent allowance of ₦665,143, while other judges are each entitled to ₦601,580.
A separate letter dated July 13, 2026 also requested the payment of judges’ leave and vacation allowances for 2026.
Reacting to the development, Kola Kareem, Chairman of the NBA Ibadan Branch, said the repeated requests from the Chief Judge reflected what he described as a lack of respect for the judiciary by the executive arm of government.
He argued that the judiciary should not have to repeatedly seek the release of statutory entitlements, adding that such a situation weakens the principle of judicial independence.
Kareem further criticized what he described as the practice of treating the judiciary like a department under the executive, saying financial autonomy is essential for the effective functioning of the courts.
According to him, allocations meant for the judiciary should be released directly to the judicial arm instead of requiring court officials to seek approval from the executive before accessing funds.
The NBA chairman also expressed concern over the absence of dedicated residential quarters for judges in many states, noting that living in private homes could expose judicial officers to security risks.
He recalled that judges traditionally lived in official quarters, arguing that restoring such a system would enhance their safety and strengthen the integrity of the judiciary.
Kareem appealed to Governor Makinde to approve the payment of the outstanding allowances without further delay, saying the move would enable judges to carry out their responsibilities effectively and enjoy their statutory leave benefits.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, were unsuccessful at the time of filing the report.
