Adeleke Backtracks On Appointment Of Osun Chief Judge

The appointment of Justice Olayinka David Afolabi as the acting Chief Judge of Osun State by Governor Ademola Adeleke has been reversed. Justice Afolabi was supposed to take over from Justice Adepele Ojo, who was removed by the State House of Assembly over charges of gross misconduct.

However, the decision by Governor Adeleke to appoint Justice Afolabi as acting CJ was met with opposition by the Nigerian Bar Association and other judicial stakeholders.

On Sunday, Governor Adeleke issued a statement through his Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, explaining that he had sent the House of Assembly’s resolution and recommendation to the Chief Justice of the Federation for approval and action.

“Governor Adeleke has only formally informed the Chief Justice of the Federation, who is also the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), in writing about the House of Assembly’s resolutions following several petitions against the incumbent Chief Judge of Osun State,” the statement said.

“In the letter, Mr. Governor conveyed the House’s recommendation that the Chief Judge should step down and also included his own proposal for an acting appointment to fill the gap while the NJC examines and decides on the petition.

“Accordingly, the Governor in the same letter suggested to the CJN the appointment of the most senior judicial officer, Hon. Justice Olayinka David Afolabi, for careful consideration and further processing by the same NJC through the CJN.