The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has condemned Governor Ademola Adeleke’s removal of the Chief Judge of Osun, Justice Adepele Ojo, describing it as a violation of the independence of the judiciary.
The NBA, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal said it would not recognise Justice Olayinka Afolabi, the acting chief judge appointed by the governor.
The National Publicity Secretary said that the action of the governor has not only negated the principle of separation of powers but was also a clear disregard to a court order.
According to him, NBA is troubled that in going about its actions, Osun Government chose to ignore the lawful order of interim injunction granted by the National Industrial Court sitting in Ibadan.
“The interim injuction restrained the Governor of Osun from interfering with the office of the Chief Judge of Osun State.
“All decisions of court must be obeyed and complied with until they are set aside by a superior court of competent jurisdiction,” the NBA spokesman added.
The substantive Chief Judge was removed by Gov. Adeleke over allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, corruption and disregard for rule of law.
