NJC Shuns Adeleke, Affirms Adepele Ojo As Osun Chief Judge

The National Judicial Council has rejected the request of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to appoint the next most senior judge in the state, Justice David Olayinka Afolabi, in an acting capacity.

This decision follows allegations against the state Chief.Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, and the resolution of the State House of Assembly to suspend her.

The decision was reached at the 104th NJC Meeting chaired by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola between December 6 and 7, 2023, in Abuja.

The NJC, which affirmed Justice Ojo as the recognised Chief Judge of Osun State, also rejected the resolution of the Osun State Assembly.

This decision was outlined in a statement signed by the NJC Director of Information, Soji Oye.

The Council, emphasising its constitutional authority to investigate Judicial Officers and recommend actions to the Governor, directed Osun State to return to the status quo.

“Council considered and declined the request of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to swear in the next Most Senior Judge in the State in an acting capacity, following allegations against Hon. Justice Adepele Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State, and the resolution of the State House of Assembly to suspend him.

“The Council affirmed that Hon. Justice Ojo is still the recognised Chief Judge of Osun State and would not act on the resolution of a State House of Assembly. Consequently, Osun State should revert to the status quo.”