Court restrains Osun Governor from removing Chief Judge

Justice Dele Peters of the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, has issued a restraining order against Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, preventing the removal of State Chief Judge Oyebola Ojo.

This legal action stems from an interim injunction sought by Justice Ojo, represented by counsel Oladipo Olasope, SAN, against Governor Adeleke, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun State, the Osun State Judicial Service Commission, and the State’s Accountant General.

Justice Ojo petitioned the court to prohibit the defendants or their agents from interfering with, reversing, or terminating her status as the Chief Judge of Osun State and her associated conditions of service.

Following arguments from the claimant’s counsel, Justice Dele Peters granted an interim injunction, restraining the defendants or their representatives from interfering with Justice Ojo’s appointment, including her salary and other benefits, pending the resolution of the interlocutory application.

The court’s order, dated November 15 and obtained as a certified true copy, mandates the State to continue paying Justice Ojo’s salary, entitlements, emoluments, and benefits as the Chief Judge during the pendency of the case.

Considering Justice Ojo’s gender roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother, the court directed Governor Adeleke, as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, to ensure adequate protection against harassment for the Chief Judge until the case’s determination.

Additionally, the court instructed the Attorney-General, as the Chief Law Officer, to advise all defendants, especially the Governor, on the necessity of full compliance with the court’s orders.

The matter has been adjourned until December 12, 2023, for the hearing of pending motions. The court mandated that appropriate hearing notices should be served on the defendants ahead of the scheduled date.