Court Restrains Adeleke From Removing CJ, Judicial Secretary
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has restrained Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke from removing the state’s Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo, and the Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission (JSCN), Michael Obidiya.
The orders were granted following separate suits filed by Ojo and Obidiya, both represented by counsel Oladipo Olasope, challenging Adeleke’s decision to remove them from their positions.
The Chief Judge of Osun State filed a suit with the number NICN/IB/6123, naming Adeleke, the Osun State Attorney General, the Osun State Judicial Service Commission, and the State Accountant General as defendants.
In a motion ex-parte dated November 15, 2023, Ojo sought an interim injunction to restrain the defendants from interfering with or terminating her appointment and conditions of service pending the determination of the interlocutory application.
Ojo also sought an order mandating the state government to continue paying her salary and other pecuniary benefits as the Chief Judge.
The court, after hearing the arguments presented by Olasope, issued an order of interim injunction restraining Adeleke from taking any action regarding Ojo’s appointment and conditions of service.
Additionally, the court also mandated the state accountant general to continue paying Ojo’s salary, entitlements, emoluments, and other benefits as the Chief Judge of Osun State until the determination of the interlocutory application.
In Obidiya’s suit, with suit number NICN/IB/60/23, the court granted an interim order restraining Governor Adeleke, the Attorney General, the State Judicial Service Commission, and the State Accountant General from altering or terminating Obidiya’s appointment as the Secretary of the Osun State Judicial Service.
The court further held, “An order of interim injunction is here issued restraining the defendants from appointing Mrs Abosede Fagbola to the position of secretary of the Judicial Service Commission and or giving effect to the circular issued by the defendants dated November 7, 2023, transferring the said Mrs Abosede Fagbola to the Judicial Service.
“The fourth defendant, Accountant General of Osun State, is here ordered and directed to continue to pay the salary, entitlements, emoluments, remuneration and other benefits.”
The court has adjourned both cases for hearing on December 12, 2023.
