The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State denounced the suspension of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, terming it unconstitutional and based on trumped-up allegations.
The movement said this during a press conference held in Osogbo on Friday:
The state chairman of APM and also the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Wale Adebayo, described the action as a nullity, asserting that it lacks a legal foundation.
He noted that, despite a National Industrial Court order restraining Governor Ademola Adeleke from interfering with the judiciary, the suspension was still approved.
Adebayo further explained that, according to constitutional provisions, Governors and Houses of Assembly lack the authority to exercise disciplinary control, leading to the removal of Chief Judges or other judicial officers in the states.
“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.”
“A government with even the most inferior of legal advice should know that you do not wake up, triggered either malice, anger or inducement, to announce that you have suspended or passed a resolution to remove the CJ as if it’s some casual enterprise.”
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“The party vowed to use legitimate means, including petitions, demonstrations and litigations, to protect the sacred institution of the judiciary,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the state government has disclosed that it has forwarded the petition and initial measures concerning the Osun State Chief Judge to the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The state government clarified that Governor Adeleke has not violated any court orders. However, it acknowledged the existence of a leadership dispute within the Osun State Judiciary.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, the state government affirmed that the Osun State House of Assembly, which endorsed the appointment of Mrs. Adepele Ojo and instructed her to step aside, is not involved in any ongoing legal proceedings or court orders.
“It is safe to assert that all that is being posted online are mere stunts as the government is not aware of any pending case at this material moment.
“We also call the attention of the public that the misappropriated money over which investigation is being carried out was appropriated by the State House of Assembly, and the body has a constitutional right to inquire how the money it appropriated was applied.
“The staff of Osun State Judiciary, who are being denied their rights by the Chief Judge and some of who joined in the petition, are employees of the Osun State Government under the authority of OSHA.
The Osun government, while assuring the public that it has formally communicated with the NJC regarding the situation, also clarified that the Governor did not suspend the Chief Judge during the course of the incident.
The government, while assuring the public that it has formally communicated with the NJC regarding the situation, also clarified that the Governor did not suspend the Chief Judge during the course of the incident.The government, while assuring the public that it has formally communicated with the NJC regarding the situation, also clarified that the Governor did not suspend the Chief Judge during the course of the incident.
The government, while assuring the public that it has formally communicated with the NJC regarding the situation, also clarified that the Governor did not suspend the Chief Judge during the course of the incident.
According to the statement, “Rather, it is the State Assembly on the premise that an official cannot be on the seat whilst the investigation is ongoing, that asked the Chief Judge to step aside. The Governor only acted on the resolution of the House.
“To ensure there is no vacuum, the Governor appointed an Acting Chief Judge, as prescribed by the Constitution in a situation like this.
“It is therefore the responsibility of the State Assembly to inform the public, NJC, and the Governor about its findings, on the conclusion of its investigation, and also make resolutions on the next line of action.”
Alimi mentioned that once the court processes are delivered to the individuals identified as Defendants in the purported lawsuit, the state government will then proceed to take necessary actions in response. #Osun