Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reversed the decision on the appointment of Justice Olayinka David Afolabi as the acting Chief Judge. This move comes after the removal of Justice Adepele Ojo from the position.
The State House of Assembly’s directive for Justice Ojo to step aside amid allegations of gross misconduct had sparked controversy.
Governor Adeleke’s decision to appoint Justice Olayinka as the acting Chief Judge, in response to the situation, has faced rejection from the Nigerian Bar Association and judiciary stakeholders.
Governor Adeleke, in a statement on Sunday through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, mentioned that he has forwarded the resolution and recommendation of the House of Assembly to the Chief Justice of the Federation for decision and appropriate action.
“Governor Adeleke has only duly notified the Chief Justice of the Federation as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) in writing about the resolutions of the House of Assembly following a series of petitions made against the sitting Chief Judge of Osun State,” the statement read.
“In the communication, Mr Governor intimated the CJN of the recommendation of the House that the Chief Judge should step aside and include his own submission for an acting appointment to fill the vacuum while the NJC reviews and decides on the petition.
“To that end, the Governor in the same letter recommended to the CJN, the appointment of the most senior judicial officer, Hon. Justice Olayinka David Afolabi for thorough consideration and further processing by the same NJC through the CJN.”