The controversy surrounding the suspension of Osun State Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, took a new turn on Sunday as Governor Ademola Adeleke denied appointing an acting Chief Judge to replace Justice Ojo.
Last Thursday, the State House of Assembly requested Justice Ojo to step aside pending an investigation into petitions against her. On the same day, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, announced the appointment of Justice Olayinka Afolabi as acting Chief Judge.
However, on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, clarified that Governor Adeleke had not appointed anyone as acting Chief Judge. Alimi stated that the governor had informed the Chief Justice of Nigeria of the ongoing investigation and recommended an acting appointment to the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“The governor, in the same letter, recommended to the CJN, the appointment of the most senior judicial officer, Hon. Justice Olayinka Afolabi, for thorough consideration and further processing by the NJC through the CJN,” Alimi said.
The swearing-in ceremony, initially scheduled for Friday, did not take place, with the government citing adherence to necessary procedures. Alimi emphasized that Governor Adeleke is committed to due process and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged in a war of words over the Chief Judge saga. The APC criticized the governor’s handling of the suspension, alleging a lack of understanding of constitutional provisions. In contrast, the PDP expressed support for Governor Adeleke and the House of Assembly, commending the governor’s communication to the NJC.
The dispute has led to speculation about the reasons behind Justice Ojo’s suspension, with the governor’s spokesperson dismissing claims related to a specific judgment. The counsel for the suspended Chief Judge, Oladipo Olasope (SAN), asserted that due process was not followed in her purported removal and denied knowledge of any pending petitions against her.
As the situation unfolds, questions persist about the procedural aspects of the suspension and the subsequent appointment of an acting Chief Judge, adding complexity to the already contentious legal and political landscape in Osun State.