APC Petitions CJN Over Judge’s Orders

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has filed a petition with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, alleging that Justice Ladiran Akintola of an Oyo State High Court issued “illegal orders without jurisdiction” in two suits. Dated 8 October 2025, the petition claims that Justice Akintola granted far‑reaching interim orders that blocked access to federal funds allocated to all 30 local government councils in Osun State. According to the petition, the judge’s actions have caused a massive governance collapse across the local government areas, resulting in unpaid salaries, unperformed statutory duties and workers left without pay.

The APC alleges that the Osun State government, through the Attorney‑General and the National Union of Local Government Employees, filed multiple suits since February 2025 to prevent APC‑elected chairmen from accessing local government allocations. The party argues that the Oyo court lacked both territorial and subject‑matter jurisdiction, as the funds, parties and disputes were domiciled in Osun State. The petition states that Justice Akintola issued sweeping orders without the knowledge of the affected parties, even after evidence showed they were elected chairmen whose rights would be severely affected.

In Suit No. I/1149/2025, the judge restrained UBA from releasing any local government funds, while in Suit No. I/1167/2025 he ordered a “post‑no‑debit” restriction on all LGA accounts in Osun State. The APC describes these orders as crippling, saying that local government administration in Osun State has “totally collapsed.” The petitioners seek a full probe of the counsel and urge the National Judicial Council to investigate the circumstances leading to the interim orders, examine Justice Akintola’s conduct regarding jurisdiction, fairness and impartiality, and take necessary steps to restore public confidence in the judiciary.

They argue that the claimants deliberately excluded necessary parties and proceeded in Oyo State “to procure orders by stealth.” The APC’s petition highlights the need for the judiciary to ensure that justice is seen to be done, especially in cases involving public interest. The party’s allegations against Justice Akintola have significant implications for the administration of justice in Nigeria, and the NJC’s response will be closely watched. The petitioners are seeking urgent intervention to correct the perceived injustice and restore the flow of federal allocations to the local government councils in Osun State.