The National Judicial Council has rejected Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s request to install an acting Chief Judge.
In a statement released Thursday, the NJC firmly rejected the governor’s request and reaffirmed Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo as the legitimate Chief Judge of Osun State.
This decision comes amidst allegations against Justice Ojo and a resolution by the Osun State House of Assembly to suspend her. However, the NJC, upholding its constitutional authority, dismissed the Assembly’s resolution and emphasized its exclusive power to investigate and recommend actions concerning judicial officers.
The statement, signed by NJC Director of Information Soji Oye, clearly states: “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.”
In a further demonstration of its commitment to upholding judicial integrity, the NJC also recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice S. O. Falola of the Osun State High Court.
This recommendation stems from an investigation into a petition filed against him concerning a questionable Garnishee Order Absolute granted against Polaris Bank.
The investigation concluded that Justice Falola engaged in misconduct by entertaining a case without evidence of a relevant judgment, visiting the bank’s counsel in his chambers, a violation of judicial conduct, and granting the Garnishee Order in a questionable and unusual manner.
Based on these findings, the NJC recommended Justice Falola’s immediate compulsory retirement, a decision that serves as a reminder of its responsibility to ensure ethical conduct among the judiciary.
