NJC Reinstates Ekiti Judge, Justice Aladejana After 16-Year Suspension

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has reinstated Justice Babajide Aladejana of Ekiti State High Court as a judge after a 16- -year suspension.

Aladejana was suspended from office in 2006 with the former Chief Judge, Justice Kayode Bamisile under the administration of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore.

The duo was suspended for their alleged roles in the political crisis that led to the impeachment of the former Governor Ayodele Fayose in October 16, 2006 over alleged N1.4bn poultry scandal, abuse of office and illegal operation of a foreign account.

However, Aladejana officially resumed work on Tuesday after review of the suspension by the NJC.

He was subsequently allocated High Court number two where he would be hearing cases and performing other judicial functions.

A different seven-member panel had earlier absolved Fayose of allegations of corrupt enrichment, abuse of office and operation of foreign account levelled against him.

Fayose was subsequently impeached by 24 out of 26 members of the Second Assembly on October 16, 2006, after the then lawmakers had adopted the report of the seven.

Aladejana performed the swearing-in of the then Speaker of the House of Assembly, the late Rt. Hon. Friday Aderemi, who was locked in power struggle with the then Deputy Governor, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi, on who should assume office as the Acting Governor.

It was the power struggle that prompted the imposition of state of emergency by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to prevent Ekiti from sliding into anarchy.

“It is true that Justice Aladejana resumed office on Tuesday after his suspension was lifted by the NJC. The staff members were all happy to welcome home back because the judge is a very nice man.

“We are happy that Justice Aladejana is back and members of the public should not be surprised to see him at work or hear him perform his duties. The NJC has lifted the suspension after more than 16 years,” a source said.

Before his reinstatement to office, Aladejana had served as the. Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC), a position to which he was appointed by the administration of the immediate past Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.