NJC Rejects Gov Adeleke’s Request To Suspend Osun CJ, Adepele Ojo

The National Judicial Council has declined the request by the Osun state governor to suspend the Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo.

The council also declined the resolution of the Osun state House of Assembly.

The council also rejected the request by Governor Ademola Adeleke to swear in the most senior judge in the state as acting Chief Judge following an allegation against the State Chief Judge.

A newsletter copied on the council website signed by its Director of Information, Soji Oye, Esq disclosed that the decision was reached after its 104th meeting held on December 6 and 7, 2023.

The Council affirmed that Hon. Justice Ojo is still the recognised Chief Judge of Osun State, and would not work on the resolution of a State House of Assembly, as it is the only body constitutionally empowered to investigate Judicial Officers and recommend same for any action to the Governor. Consequently, Osun State should revert to status quo.

The recommendation was made sequel to the findings of an Investigation Committee in a petition written against His Lordship by Mr Dapo Kolapo Olowo and Polaris Bank for granting a Garnishee Order Absolute against the Bank for the sum of N283,174,000.00 (Two Hundred and Eighty-Three Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand Naira) in a questionable and strange manner, and endorsement of the Order, attaching the account of the Garnishee with another garnishee and not the account of the Judgment Debtor who had the legal obligation to pay the supposed judgement sum.

The council also recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice Jide Falola of Osun State High Court over misconduct.

Consequently, Council resolved to recommend him to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State for compulsory retirement with immediate effect.