IBADAN, Nigeria – The Oyo State Judiciary has renewed its appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde to approve the payment of outstanding statutory allowances owed to judges, including unpaid rent allowances covering 2024, 2025 and 2026, as well as the 2026 annual vacation leave allowance.
The renewed request is contained in two official letters dated June 4 and June 5, 2026, signed by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice I. S. Yerima, and addressed to the governor.
The letters, obtained by Top Court News, rely on the provisions of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, 2024, as well as a clarification issued by the National Judicial Council (NJC) affirming the statutory entitlements of judicial officers.
Third Reminder on Outstanding Rent Allowances
In a letter titled “Third Reminder: Re: Payment of Rent Allowance to Honourable Judges for 2024, 2025, 2026 and Subsequent Monthly Provision,” Justice Yerima reminded Governor Makinde that the issue had been brought to the government’s attention on several occasions.
He referenced previous correspondences dated May 19, 2025; June 30, 2025; Dec. 8, 2025; and Jan. 20, 2026, all requesting the payment of the outstanding rent allowances.
According to the Chief Judge, the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, 2024 guarantees annual and monthly rent allowances for judges.
Justice Yerima further explained that judges occupying government residential quarters already pay monthly rent through deductions from their salaries, which are remitted into the government’s Enumeration of Government Quarters Account. Those residing in privately owned homes, he noted, are entitled to receive their full statutory rent allowances.
Judiciary Seeks Approval for 2026 Leave Allowance
In a separate letter dated June 4, 2026, titled “Re: 2026 Annual Judges’ Vacation/Leave Allowance,” the Chief Judge informed Governor Makinde that judges of the Oyo State Judiciary would commence their annual vacation on July 13, 2026.
He requested the governor’s approval for the payment of the statutory leave allowance, explaining that the benefit enables judges to enjoy their annual vacation as provided by law.
Justice Yerima stated that the Chief Judge is entitled to 155 percent of his basic salary as leave allowance, while other judges are entitled to 140 percent of their respective basic salaries.
He also disclosed that the expenditure had already been captured under the appropriate budget head in the 2026 Oyo State Judiciary Budget, with a detailed schedule of beneficiaries attached to the request.
Appeal for Prompt Approval
The Chief Judge appealed to Governor Makinde to give favourable consideration to both requests, stressing that the allowances are statutory entitlements provided under Nigerian law and not discretionary benefits.
He expressed appreciation for the governor’s continued attention to the welfare of judicial officers and urged prompt approval of the outstanding payments.
