The National Industrial Court in Ibadan has reaffirmed Justice Adepele Ojo’s position as the Chief Judge of Osun State, overturning the state government’s attempts to remove her from office.
The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Peters, granted Justice Ojo all the reliefs she sought, including a permanent injunction that prevents the state government and House of Assembly from removing her as the chief judicial officer.
The dispute began in 2023 when the Osun Assembly suspended Justice Ojo and appointed an acting Chief Judge, who declined to take office.
Justice Ojo obtained a restraining order against Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the case was adjourned until December 12, 2023.
Following criticism from the Nigeria Bar Association and civil society groups, the Osun State Government denied removing Justice Ojo, stating that it only forwarded the Assembly’s resolution to the Chief Justice of the Federation for consideration.
Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union (JUSUN) went on strike in November 2023, accusing Justice Ojo of mismanaging the judiciary and suspending workers without due process.
The strike, which brought judicial activities to a halt, was called off in March 2024.
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