The National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun from removing Osun Chief Judge Adepele Ojo and secretary of Osun Judicial Service Commission, Michael Obidiya.
The court gave the orders following two suits filed by Ojo and Obidiya through their counsel, Oladipo Olasope.
Joined in the matter are the attorney general of Osun, Osun Judicial Service Commission and accountant general of Osun.
In a motion ex-parte dated November 15, 2023, Ojo prayed the court for an order of interim injunction, restraining the defendants from removing, reversing, or terminating her appointment and conditions of service as the chief judge of Osun State, “including but not limited to salaries and other pecuniary benefits, pending the determination of the interlocutory application.”
Ojo also sought an order mandating the fourth defendant to continue to pay her salary, entitlements, emoluments, remuneration and other benefits as the chief judge of Osun State, pending the determination of the interlocutory application.
Upon hearing Olasope, counsel to the claimant, D. Peters, subsequently held, “An order of interim injunction is issued restraining the Defendants by themselves or their agents or privies howsoever so-called from interfering with removing, reversing or terminating the appointment and conditions of service of the Applicant as the Hon. Chief Judge of Osun State including but not limited to salaries and other pecuniary benefits pending the determination of the interlocutory application.
“An order is here issued mandatory for the 4th Defendant to continue to pay the salary, entitlements, emoluments and other benefits and money the Applicant is entitled to the Hon. Chief Judge of Osun State pending the determination of the interlocutory application.”
The court adjourned the matter for hearing of the pending motion on notice till December 12, 2023.
Similarly, ruling on an ex-parte motion with suit number NICN/IB/60/23, brought by Obidiya against Adeleke, attorney general, State Judicial Service Commission and accountant general, Justice Peters granted the reliefs sought by the claimant.
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The court subsequently issued an interim order restraining the defendants from removing, reversing or terminating the appointment and conditions of service of the applicant as the Secretary of the Osun State Judicial Service including but not limited to salaries and other pecuniary benefits pending the determination of the interlocutory application.
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 7th November 2023 transfering the said Mrs Abosede Fagbola to the Judicial Service.
“The 4th 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 adjourned the matter till December 12, 2023, for hearing of the pending motion on notice.
