NJC also rejected the resolution by the Osun State House of Assembly to suspend the CJ
By Kehinde Okeowo
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has rejected the request by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to remove the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo.
The decision was reached at the 104th NJC Meeting chaired by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola between December 6 and 7, 2023, in Abuja.
During the deliberation, NJC also refused to approve the request made by the governor to appoint the next most senior judge in the state, Justice David Olayinka Afolabi, in an acting capacity
Following the resolution by the State House of Assembly to suspend Justice Ojo over allegations levelled against her by the state government, her matter was referred to the disciplinary body.
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However, the NJC, in a statement signed by the NJC Director of Information, Soji Oye, on Thursday affirmed her as the recognized Chief Judge of Osun State and rejected the resolution of the Osun State Assembly.
The Council, which also emphasized 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 recognized 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.” the statement read.
Meanwhile, at the conclusion of the meeting, the NJC recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice S. O. Falola of the Osun State High Court.
The recommendation was based on the findings of an investigation committee following a petition against him by Dapo Kolapo Olowo and Polaris Bank.