The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State has denounced the suspension of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, as unconstitutional, labeling the allegations against her as trumped-up. The Osun APM further asserts that the action is null and void, lacking any legal basis.
During a media briefing in Osogbo, the state capital, the party’s chairman, Wale Adebayo, condemned Governor Ademola Adeleke for approving the Chief Judge’s suspension despite an order from the National Industrial Court restraining him from meddling in judicial matters. Adebayo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), emphasized that under the constitutional provisions, Governors and State Houses of Assembly are not empowered to unilaterally remove Chief Judges or other judicial officers.
“We view the governor’s action as another instance of his intolerance of democratic institutions, separation of power and checks and balances guaranteed by the constitution,” Adebayo remarked. “A government, even with the most basic legal counsel, should understand that the removal of a Chief Judge is not a casual enterprise prompted by malice, anger, or inducement.”
The party reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging legitimate means, including petitions, demonstrations, and litigations, to safeguard the judiciary, a sacred institution in a democratic society.
Meanwhile, the state government has disclosed that the petition and initial actions against the Osun State Chief Judge have been forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC). The government clarified that Governor Adeleke has not contravened any court order and acknowledged the existence of a leadership dispute within the Osun State Judiciary.
In a statement signed by Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, the state government declared, “The Osun State House of Assembly, which confirmed the appointment of Mrs Adepele Ojo and instructed her to step aside, is not a party to any ongoing case or Court Order.”
“It is important to note that the misinformation circulating online is baseless, as the government is unaware of any pending case at this time,” the statement continued. “Furthermore, the misappropriated funds under investigation were allocated by the State House of Assembly, which has the constitutional right to scrutinize the utilization of funds it appropriated.”
Addressing the denial of rights to Osun State Judiciary employees by the Chief Judge, and acknowledging that some employees joined in the petition, the government clarified that those employees are under the authority of the Osun State Government, overseen by OSHA (Osun State House of Assembly).
Assuring the public that the matter has been duly escalated to the NJC, the government reiterated that the Chief Judge was not suspended by the Governor but was asked to step aside by the State Assembly during the investigation, leading to the Governor’s appointment of an Acting Chief Judge, in compliance with the constitutional provisions.
“Therefore, it is the responsibility of the State Assembly to inform the public, the NJC, and the Governor of its findings upon the conclusion of the investigation, and to make resolutions on the next course of action,” Alimi affirmed.
He further stated that once the court processes are served on the listed Defendants in the alleged suit, the state government would take necessary steps to respond accordingly.
