NJC dismisses Adeleke’s petition to replace CJ

The National Judicial Council has declined the request of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to sack the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adepele Ojo.

In a statement signed by the Council’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, at the end of its 104th meeting under the leadership of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Council held that the NJC is the only body constitutionally empowered to investigate judicial officers and recommend same for any action to the Governor.

The Council, according to Oye, affirms that Hon. Justice Ojo is the recognized Chief Judge of Osun State and ordered that the state should revert to status quo.

The council also dismisses the request of Governor Adeleke to swear in another chief judge in acting capacity in replacement of the CJ.

It would be recalled that on november 16th Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke asked the State Chief Judge, justice Adepele Ojo to step aside over allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, corruption and disregard for rule of law pending investigation