The National Judicial Council (NJC) has reinstated Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, the Osun State Chief Judge, who was previously suspended by Governor Ademola Adeleke. The decision was reached during the 104th meeting of the NJC held from December 6 to December 7, 2023, under the leadership of Justice Kayode Ariwoola.
The Council, as communicated by its Director of Information, Barr. Soji Oye, announced that it rejected Governor Ademola Adeleke’s request to swear in the next Most Senior Judge in Osun State in an acting capacity. This decision comes in the context of allegations against Hon. Justice Adepele Ojo, the Chief Judge of Osun State, and the State House of Assembly’s resolution to suspend her.
The Council affirmed that Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo remains the recognized Chief Judge of Osun State. The council emphasized that it does not recognize the resolution of the State House of Assembly, stating that only the constitutionally empowered body has the authority to investigate judicial officers and recommend actions to the governor. The NJC directed Osun State to revert to the status quo.
