The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State has described the suspension of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Oyebola Ojo, as unconstitutional, nullified, and void, citing trumped-up allegations.
The state chairman of the party, Hon. Wale Adebayo, made this assertion during a media parley in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, on Friday. He pointed out that despite a National Industrial Court order restraining Governor Ademola Adeleke from interfering with the judiciary, he approved the Chief Judge’s suspension from office.
Adebayo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), explained that, according to the provisions of the constitution, governors and state Houses of Assembly cannot exercise disciplinary control over the removal of Chief Judges or other judicial officers.
“We view the governor’s action as another instance of his intolerance of democratic institutions, the separation of powers, and checks and balances guaranteed by the constitution.”
“A government with even the most inferior legal advice should know that you do not wake up, actuated by malice, anger, or inducement, to announce that you have passed a resolution to remove the Chief Judge, as if it’s some casual enterprise.”
The party vowed to use legitimate means, including petitions, demonstrations, and litigations, to protect the sacred institution of the judiciary, the statement read.
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