Osun CJ: Osun APM Carpets Adeleke, Egbedun
- Says NJC’s Position Shows Legislature As A Rubber-Stamp
The Osun State Chapter of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has lashed out at Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun towards their actions on the issues surrounding the removal of Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo.
Osun Defender had earlier reported that the National Judicial Council (NJC) has rejected the request by the governor of Osun to suspend Justice Ojo.
On November 16, Adeleke suspended Ojo and approved the appointment of Olayinka Afolabi, as the acting chief judge of Osun.
Adeleke approved the suspension of Ojo after the resolution of the state house of assembly.
Ojo was suspended despite an order by the national industrial court restraining the governor from removing her from office.
Some days later, the Osun state government backtracked and said the chief judge was not suspended.
Kolapo Alimi, Osun commissioner for information, said the governor had only forwarded the resolution of the house of assembly and recommendations for an acting appointment to the chief justice of the federation.
The NJC under the chairmanship of Olukayode Ariwoola, the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), had its 104th meeting from December 6 to 7 and made resolutions on certain issues, including the request of Adeleke.
The NJC asked the state government to maintain the status quo, adding that only the council is constitutionally empowered to investigate judicial officers.
Reacting to the development in a statement, Chairman of the Osun State Chapter of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon. Wale Adebayo, expressed the party’s disappointment with the recent actions of the Osun government and the State Assembly, saying it “demonstrating the consequences of electing politicians who are unprepared for power.
“The misguided actions of the state Assembly, which should serve as a check on the executive, have rendered it, nothing more than a rubber stamp. This incident highlights the need for a credible alternative, and in 2026, APM aims to provide a well-prepared candidate for the role of governor.
“In light of the recent verdict by the National Judicial Council (NJC), affirming Justice Adepele Ojo as the substantive Chief Judge of Osun State, the APM commends the bench and bar for their courage in upholding justice. The NJC, being the only constitutional body empowered to investigate judicial officers and recommend appropriate actions, has asserted that Justice Ojo is the recognized Chief Judge and disregarded the Assembly’s resolution. Consequently, the council has called for the government to return to the status quo.
“Chairman of the party, Hon. Wale Adebayo, criticized the Governor and the State House of Assembly for their interference in a matter that does not concern them, creating unnecessary drama in the state. Adebayo highlights that the removal of the Chief Judge was unconstitutional and should not have happened in the first place. You can’t just wake up, under the influence of anger or inducement that you have removed or suspended a CJ from office as if it is some casual enterprise.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the intervention of the NJC.
“The National Judicial Council has fulfilled its constitutional duties as outlined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which includes the appointment, promotion, and discipline of judicial officers.
“As a party, APM urges the government to promptly return to the status quo and allow Justice Adepele Ojo to resume her position as Chief Judge.”
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
