NBA Rejects Removal of Osun Chief Judge, Disapproves Acting Chief Judge Appointment

• The NBA strongly criticizes the removal of Osun State Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, by Governor Adeleke, citing constitutional violations
• NBA declares non-recognition of the appointed Acting Chief Judge, emphasizing the importance of adherence to constitutional processes in judicial matters

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized the removal of the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo, by Governor Ademola Adeleke. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, the NBA declared that it would not recognize Justice Olayinka Afolabi, appointed as the Acting Chief Judge by the governor.

Lawal emphasized that the NBA’s stance was based on the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. He argued that the tenure of a judicial officer should not be subject to the whims of politicians.

The NBA condemned the governor’s actions as unlawful, asserting that the provisions of the 1999 Constitution clearly outlined the process for removing a Chief Judge, and it involved reporting to and determination by the National Judicial Council (NJC). Lawal referred to legal precedents, including Nganjiwa v FRN (2017) and Elelu-Habeeb & Anor v AG Federation & Ors (2012), to support the position that the Chief Judge of a state cannot be removed without NJC involvement.

Expressing concern, Lawal highlighted that the Osun Government disregarded a lawful interim injunction from the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, restraining the Governor from interfering with the office of the Chief Judge.

The NBA spokesman concluded that the association would not recognize Justice Afolabi as the Acting Chief Judge of Osun State. The substantive Chief Judge, Justice Ojo, was removed by Governor Adeleke over allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law.

Nigerian Army gets first professor

The Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna State, has promoted Lt. Col. Abubakar-Surajo Imam to a Professor of Mechatronics Engineering.

Imam is said to be the first professor among serving personnel in the history of the Nigerian Army.

The Registrar of the Academy, Brig.-Gen. A.M. Tukur announced the promotion in a statement on Friday in Kaduna.

He said that the promotion was ratified during the NDA Council Meeting in September and took effect from October 1, 2023.