In a bold move, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has chosen to proceed with the suspension of Chief Judge Justice Oyebola Ojo, despite an interim order from the National Industrial Court restraining him from such actions. The court, in a ruling dated November 15, also directed the governor to ensure the continued payment of Justice Ojo’s salary and benefits.
Governor Adeleke, undeterred by the court’s decision, has appointed Justice Olayinka Afolabi as the acting Chief Judge, following the approval of the House of Assembly’s resolution. The Assembly, invoking its investigative powers, ordered Justice Ojo to step aside pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law.
In response to the Assembly’s directive, Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, stated, “Governor Adeleke has approved the resolution…asking the Osun State Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo, to step aside pending investigation.” Additionally, Justice Afolabi has been appointed as the acting Chief Judge with immediate effect.
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The controversy surrounding this suspension is further intensified by the court’s order to provide adequate protection to Justice Ojo, considering her gender and role as a wife, mother, and grandmother.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 12, 2023. The Osun State House of Assembly’s decision to act swiftly and the governor’s defiance of the court order raise questions about the separation of powers and the rule of law in the state.
