We won’t recognise Osun Acting CJ – NBA tells Gov Adeleke

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has been slammed by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for sacking the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adepele Ojo.

The NBA, through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Akorede Lawal, issued a statement on Saturday, saying that it would not acknowledge Justice Olayinka Afolabi, the acting chief judge appointed by the governor.

Lawal said that the NBA’s stance was based on the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary.

“The mood of politicians should not and cannot affect the tenure of a judicial officer,” he added.

The National Publicity Secretary said that the governor’s action was a blatant violation of the principle of separation of powers and a clear contempt of a court order.

Lawal said the association strongly denounced the “unlawful” actions, adding that the 1999 Constitution was clear and unambiguous on how a Chief Judge of a state could be removed from office.