Retired judges of Kogi State have raised alarm over what they describe as prolonged neglect and the persistent refusal of the state government to pay their retirement benefits several years after they exited active judicial service, a situation they say has plunged them into hardship and emotional distress.
The affected judicial officers, who retired between 2021 and 2023 after decades of service to the state and the nation, accused the Kogi State Government of failing to honour constitutionally guaranteed entitlements, despite repeated appeals and the completion of all required documentation.
In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the retired judges said the non-payment of their benefits amounts to a clear violation of constitutional provisions and existing laws governing the welfare of judicial officers after retirement. They stressed that pensions, gratuities and post-retirement allowances are legal rights, not discretionary privileges, and are designed to preserve the dignity, independence and security of judges who have served the public faithfully.
According to the retirees, all relevant records relating to their entitlements have long been processed and verified by the appropriate authorities, yet successive representations to key state institutions, including the Office of the Governor, have failed to yield any positive outcome.
They lamented that the situation has become increasingly painful, as former judicial officers who once presided over courts and upheld the rule of law are now left unpaid and uncertain about their welfare.
“The irony is deeply troubling,” one of the retired judges said. “Those of us who spent our professional lives defending constitutional order and the rule of law are now being denied the very protections guaranteed by that same law.”
The judges listed their outstanding entitlements to include gratuities, monthly pension payments, medical allowances, security allowances and statutory vehicle allocations, all of which are clearly provided for under laws regulating judicial retirement benefits.
They described the continued silence and inaction of the state government as negligent, unjust and degrading, warning that such treatment undermines public confidence in the government’s commitment to justice and fairness.
According to the retirees, the failure to settle their entitlements has left some of them struggling to meet basic needs, including healthcare expenses, at a stage of life when stability and dignity should be assured.
The affected judges include Hon. Justice Sunday Omeiza Otu (Rtd), Hon. Justice Olorunfemi Richard Olorunju (Rtd), former Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice John Bayo Olowosegun (Rtd), and former President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Yunusa Musa (Rtd).
Others are Hon. Justice Esther O. Haruna (Rtd), Hon. Justice Andrew Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye (Rtd), Hon. Justice Olutimehin Samuel Obayomi (Rtd), and Hon. Justice Elias Adem Egwu (Rtd).
They stressed that their appeal is not driven by sentiment but by law, noting that judicial officers are constitutionally protected to ensure their independence both in service and after retirement.
The retirees warned that continued neglect of retired judges has consequences that extend beyond their personal welfare. According to them, it weakens the institutional integrity of the judiciary, discourages judicial independence and sends a disturbing signal to serving judges about how they may be treated after retirement.
“When retired judges are subjected to such hardship, it creates fear and uncertainty within the judiciary,” the statement said. “It raises serious concerns about the security of those currently on the bench and the ability of judges to discharge their duties without fear or favour.”
They also noted that the welfare of retired judges is a critical pillar of judicial independence, as it insulates serving judicial officers from undue pressure and external influence.
The judges called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to urgently intervene by directing the immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements and ensuring that the long-overdue benefits are settled without further delay.
They appealed to the governor’s sense of justice and responsibility, urging him to act decisively to correct what they described as a grave injustice against officers who devoted their careers to public service and the administration of justice.
The retirees further urged the Kogi State Government to reaffirm its commitment to constitutional governance by respecting court decisions, statutory provisions and the rights of judicial officers, both serving and retired.
They maintained that prompt payment of their entitlements would not only restore their dignity but also reinforce public confidence in the state’s respect for the judiciary and the rule of law.
According to them, failure to act could deepen perceptions of institutional disregard for the judiciary and erode trust in governance at a time when public confidence in democratic institutions is already under strain.
The retired judges reiterated that they remain law-abiding citizens and have chosen dialogue and public appeal rather than confrontation, but warned that continued neglect leaves them with limited options.
They expressed hope that the state leadership would act swiftly to resolve the issue and prevent further hardship for retired judicial officers.
“The dignity of the judiciary does not end at retirement,” the statement concluded. “How a society treats its retired judges reflects its respect for justice, fairness and the rule of law. We call on the Kogi State Government to do the right thing.”
