Higher Program Officer
November 17, 2023
Attorney General Clears Governor Adeleke of Involvement in Stepping Aside of Chief Judge, Says the Process is predicated on Petition written against the Chief Judge on Accountability Issue, amongst others.
OSOGBO – 16/11/2023 – osunstate.gov.ng
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Osun State,Mr Wole Jimi-Bada has cleared Governor Ademola Adeleke of involvement in the stepping aside of Mrs Adepele Ojo, which was predicated on a petition that prompted her being ask to step aside from office.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the Commissioner narrated that a strongly worded petition was sent to the State Judicial Service Commission and the State House of Assembly, which lead to the hearing and eventual resolution of the State House of Assembly to ask the the Chief Judge to step aside.
The House further launched investigation into the allegation contained in the said petition and even summoned the Chief Judge to appear before its investigative committee.
As part of its investigation, the House passed a resolution recommending that the State Governor should ask the Chief Judge to step aside and appoint an acting Chief Judge pending the outcome of the investigation by both the House of Assembly and the NJC to which the matter has been referred.
As the Governor believes so much in due process, rule of law and fear of God, he approved the recommendation with a caveat that if the Chief Judge is found to be innocent, she should return to her position.
According to the Commissioner, Governor Adeleke only acted to ensure that there is no vacuum by appointing an acting Chief Judge as a temporary measure.
We want to assert that the Governor was not the writer of the petition nor is the Governor the retinue of persons who provided multiple evidence as regards the conduct of the Chief Judge, as contained in the petition.
By appointing an acting Chief Judge, the Governor only acted to ensure there is no vacuum and there is no tampering with potential evidence while the investigation lasted.
Signed
Hon Wole Bada,
Hon Commissioner for Justice/Attorney General
