The Osun State Government has refuted allegations suggesting that Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended Chief Judge Justice Oyebola Ojo. The dispute arose when Justice Ojo sought intervention from the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, citing a perceived threat to her position. In response, Justice Dele Peters issued a restraining order against Governor Adeleke and three others, preventing them from removing Justice Ojo.

Contrary to this, Governor Adeleke proceeded to suspend Justice Ojo and directed the appointment of Justice Yinka Afolabi as an acting Chief Judge. This move was to persist until the Osun State House of Assembly conducted an investigation into allegations against Justice Ojo.

The State Government, represented by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi, clarified the situation in a statement. Alimi stated that the petition and initial actions concerning the Chief Judge had been forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC). He emphasized that Governor Adeleke had not violated any court order and highlighted that the State House of Assembly, which endorsed Mrs. Adepele Ojo’s appointment, was not party to the ongoing legal proceedings.

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Alimi asserted, “All online postings are mere stunts, as the government is not aware of any pending case at this moment.” He also mentioned  the issue of misappropriated funds, stating that the State House of Assembly, having the constitutional right to scrutinize the allocation of funds, was well within its authority to conduct an inquiry.

The Commissioner asserted   that Osun State Judiciary staff, who were part of the petition, were employees under the jurisdiction of the Osun State Government and the Osun State House of Assembly (OSHA). He assured the public that the National Judicial Council had been informed of the situation and affirmed that Chief Judge Ojo was not suspended by the Governor, contrary to media reports.

Alimi clarified that the State Assembly’s resolution, based on the belief that an official should step aside during an ongoing investigation, led to the Governor’s action. To prevent a leadership vacuum, Governor Adeleke appointed an Acting Chief Judge in accordance with constitutional provisions.

He concluded by stating, “The Governor is a law-abiding person and will not do anything to compromise the rule of law. Whenever the court processes are served on the persons listed as Defendants in the alleged suit, they would take appropriate steps to react.”