Osun House Committee Presents Report on Investigation into Chief Judge’s Conduct

Osun State House committee, tasked with investigating various petitions against Chief Judge Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, submitted its report during Friday’s plenary session.

Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public, and Legal Matters, Kanmi Ajibola, presented the findings.

The committee, in its report, raised concerns about the “unjust suspension and victimization of staff” who were exonerated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the court, despite being implicated by a panel constituted by the Chief Judge.

Key anomalies highlighted in the report include the “unilateral award of an e-affidavit contract to a consultant without state government approval or a Memorandum of Understanding.”

The committee also flagged issues such as disobedience of a court order on proceeds of bank robbery, misappropriation and diversion of funds in the running cost account, and embezzlement of robe allowances.

Following the presentation, the House adopted the committee’s report and resolved to provide the certified true copy, along with all evidence received, to the governor.

This documentation is intended for onward transmission to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for further action.

The House had previously urged the committee to expedite its investigation within seven days during a plenary session on November 17, 2023.

Subsequently, the Chief Judge was suspended, and the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, was directed to swear in an acting Chief Judge.