By Joshua Oladipo
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has condemned the removal of the Chief Judge of Osun, Justice Adepele Ojo, by Gov.
Ademola Adeleke.
The NBA said in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Akorede Lawal, that it will not recognise Justice Olayinka Afolabi, the Acting Chief Judge appointed by the governor.
Lawal said that the NBA’s position was anchored on the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary.
“The tenure of a judicial officer cannot and should not be subject to the mood of politicians,” he added.
The National Publicity Secretary said that the action of the governor has not only negated the principle of separation of powers but was also a clear disregard to a court order.
Lawal said the association unequivocally condemned the “unlawful” actions, adding that the provisions of the 1999 Constitution are not ambiguous as to the way and manner a Chief Judge of a state could be removed from office.
“The law has since been settled in Nganjiwa v FRN (2017) LPELR-43391 (CA) that any misconduct attached to the office and functions of a judicial officer must first be reported to and determined by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“The Supreme Court in Elelu-Habeeb & Anor v AG Federation & Ors (2012) 12 NWLR (Pt 1318) 423 has clearly stated that the Chief Judge of a State cannot be removed under any guise including the infamous “step aside style” without recourse to the NJC,” Lawal said .
According to him, NBA is troubled that in going about its actions, Osun Government chose to ignore the lawful order of interim injunction granted by the National Industrial Court sitting in Ibadan.
“The interim injuction restrained the Governor of Osun from interfering with the office of the Chief Judge of Osun State.
“All decisions of court must be obeyed and complied with until they are set aside by a superior court of competent jurisdiction,” the NBA spokesman added.
Lawal, therefore, said that the NBA would not recognise Justice Afolabi as acting Chief Judge of Osun.
The substantive Chief Judge was removed by Gov.
Adeleke over allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, corruption and disregard for rule of law.
(NAN ) ( www.
nannews.
ng )
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed
Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media
Related posts:
Osun 2022: Adeleke Advocates Peaceful Ward Congress This was stated in a statement by Ademola Adeleke Campaign Organization’s Director of Media and Strategy, Ademola Adeleke. The ward Congress, according to Adeleke, is...
Adeleke supporters celebrate as Supreme Court upholds victory in Osun governorship election …By Larry John for TDPel Media. The supporters of Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, celebrated as the Supreme Court upheld his victory in...
Osun Governor Adeleke and Davido Launch Search for Physically Challenged Street Hawker Eniola Osun Governor and Davido Seek Street Hawker Eniola Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and renowned Nigerian singer, Davido, have initiated a search for a physically...
DCT Abu Dhabi, NBA launch first Jr. NBA League in UAE DCT Abu Dhabi, NBA launch first Jr. NBA League in UAE ABU DHABI, 27th February, 2022 – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu...
NATO condemns Russia’s decision to recognise the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics Allies condemned Russia’s decision to recognise the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, as well as Russia’s further incursion into Ukraine. Calling this a “serious...
Sandra Iheuwa Expresses Concern for Chioma Adeleke’s Mental Well-being Amidst Davido Scandal …By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. Sandra Iheuwa, who is known as the baby mama of Ubi Franklin, has recently expressed her concern about the...
Aliko Dangote, Peter Obi, and Ademola Adeleke Attend 247th American Independence Anniversary Celebration …By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. Notable Personalities Attend the Event Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote, Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Osun State...
Shallipopi hangs out with Davido and pays Governor Adeleke a visit. Advertisements Davido, the acclaimed Afrobeat artist, has made his return to Nigeria despite previously alarming his fans by suggesting he wouldn’t be back until February...
David Adeleke, Known as Davido, Extends Condolences and Support to Mohbad’s Family Following Tragic Passing In a touching moment during his performance in Manchester on his ongoing Timeless Tour, David Adeleke, renowned by his stage name Davido, paused to convey...
Chioma Adeleke’s First Public Appearance After Welcoming Twins The Adeleke family, including Afrobeats sensation Davido and his wife Chioma, gathered for a family celebration in Atlanta, Georgia. The event marked the birthday of...