A clash has erupted between a Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and the Osun State government over the alleged attempt by Governor Ademola Adeleke to remove the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adepele Ojo.

Representatives from CSOs including Transparency and Accountability Group, Committee for Defence of Human Rights, Dialogue 360, and Osun Civil Societies Coalition expressed their concern about the situation.

Ayo Ologun, speaking on behalf of the groups, condemned the alleged attempt, describing it as troubling and an effort to manipulate the judiciary.

Ologun emphasized, “The Chief Judge, in her capacity, has a constitutional duty to uphold justice and ensure the fair and impartial administration of the law. Her commitment to these principles should be celebrated, not met with attempts at removal for political reasons.”

The CSOs called on Governor Adeleke to respect the independence of the judiciary and cease any attempts to remove the Chief Judge based on her principled stance.

They stressed the importance of allowing the judiciary to operate without fear of reprisal or political interference.

In response to the allegations, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, stated that the state government is unaware of any plot against the Chief Judge. However, he asserted that no public official is immune to accountability.

Alimi clarified, “The Governor is, therefore, not in a position to stop the legislature from doing its statutory job, and neither can the Governor hamstring the judiciary in the performance of its duties. The Governor is, however, committed to supporting all arms of government to operate within the ambit of the law and constitution.”

He also criticized those using social media to defend the Chief Judge, stating, “We have stated persistently that those holding social media briefs for the Chief Judge are not doing the Judiciary any good.”