A retired judge, Justice Solomon Olugbemi (Rtd), has decried the poor treatment of judicial officials in retirement, stating that in Ogun State, “the suffering of judicial officers begins afresh on the date of their retirement.”

Olugbemi, who retired from the state judiciary, made the remarks as a guest lecturer at the 2025 Judges’ Conference, held at the ceremonial hall of the Judiciary Complex in Abeokuta.

The theme of the conference was “Well-Being and Retirement of Judicial Officers in Nigeria: Bench and Post-Bench.”

He drew from his personal experience, while lamenting the challenges many retired judicial officials face in accessing their entitlements.

According to him, it took a struggle between the Chief Judge and the Governor before he received what he described as a “paltry” severance gratuity, which he said was delivered to him in cash.

He said “In Ogun State, the suffering of Judicial Officers on retirement commences afresh on the date of their retirement and I am writing from personal experience.

“It was almost a tug of war between the Honourable the Chief Judge and the Governor before the paltry sum called ‘Severance gratuity’ was paid to me, and guess what? It was brought to me in cash! I later found out that, going by the amount paid to the person who retired after me, I was short-changed by about half a million Naira! In my mind, I queried my being paid in cash, but I did not reject it, though I wrote an acknowledgment letter stating the amount paid to me.

“Again, it took three months before the state started paying my pension. It took another two years before my gratuity was paid. I can however be said to have been lucky because those who retired before me never had it “so easy” as the government had neglected paying retirement benefits of public servants, including those of Judicial Officers, for several years before then.”

He argued that such treatment is unfair to public servants who spent 35 years in service or retired at the age of 60, and are still struggling to have a good life.

He recommended that the constitution should be further amended to make the funding of state judiciaries a direct charge on the Federation account and to be paid directly by the National Judicial Council.

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, emphasized the importance of ensuring the continued well-being of judges — both serving and retired.

She also expressed worry over what she called the long-standing challenges facing the judiciary, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and stagnant salaries.

Dipeolu, however, noted a recent improvement with the signing of a new Act by President Bola Tinubu, which raised judicial officers’ salaries and allowances.

She praised the move as “a significant step forward” but urged stakeholders to remain vigilant so that the gains made do not become “an isolated case.” (Daily Trust)