*Says NJC Has Sole Power To Probe Judges
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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has declined Governor Ademola Adeleke’s request to appoint an acting Chief Judge, affirming suspended Chief Judge Justice Adepele Ojo as still recognized.
This came at the 104th NJC meeting on December 6th-7th chaired by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
NJC spokesperson Soji Oye announced the Council affirmed that Hon. Justice Ojo is still the recognised Chief Judge of Osun State, and would not work on the resolution of a State House of Assembly, as it is the only body constitutionally empowered to investigate Judicial Officers and recommend same for any action to the Governor. Consequently, Osun State should revert to status quo.
The declaration underscores only NJC has power to investigate and advise governors.
The Council notified Adeleke’s administration to revert to status quo for now.
TheNigeriaLawyer recalls that the Osun State House of Assembly had set up a committee to investigate petitions against the Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, after which they submitted its report, indicting her of misconduct.
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Kanmi Ajibola, while presenting the report, outlined the anomalies discovered, including the unilateral award of contracts, disobedience of court orders, and embezzlement of funds.
The Assembly consequently adopted the report and resolved to forward it alongside evidence documents to Governor Ademola Adeleke for onward transmission to the National Judicial Council (NJC).
This came a few weeks after the Assembly passed a resolution suspending the Chief Judge and requesting the Governor to swear in an acting CJ over the allegations, which the committee has now established prima facie.
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