Prisons and police cells in Osun State have been overflowing with suspects for the past four months, as the wheel of justice ground to a halt.
Judicial workers in the state had embarked on a strike to protest allegations of corruption and highhandedness against the State Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, who was controversially relieved of her duties by the Osun House of Assembly and Governor Ademola Adeleke.
This action was discarded by the National Judicial Council (NJC), the body constitutionally recognised for sanctioning erring judges and judicial officials in the country and now, she may be on her way back to her duty post, if the NJC grants her a clean bill of health.
The JUSUN members in the state embarked on an indefinite industrial action on November 22, 2023, after they were dispersed with teargas by the police in the premises of the State High Court in Osogbo.
The staff members protesting non payment of their wardrobe allowance and alleged high handedness of the state Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, had paralysed activities in the High Court as they shut entrance to the premises.
The development also thickened when Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended the Chief Judge on November 16, 2023, acting on a resolution of the State House of Assembly on the allegations of misconduct against the embattled Justice Ojo.
On December 07, 2023, the National Judicial Council stepped into the matter, declining Adeleke’s request to appoint the next in line Judge in acting capacity as CJ pending the outcome of investigation.
Also, the NJC on February 05, 2024, said that it would not shield Justice Adepele Ojo, or any judicial officer if found guilty of any misconduct.
Mr. Soji Oye, the Director of Information of the NJC, in a statement said a committee was in place to look into the allegations against Justice Ojo.
Oye stated that investigation into the allegation of misconduct by Justice Ojo will not be swept under the carpet, stating that its findings on the probe would be made public when concluded.
Osun Defender gathered within the state judiciary that Justice Adepele Ojo may return to her role after issues surrounding the strike has been resolved.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
