By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate Justice A.A. Aderibigbe of the Osun State High Court, Ilesa, over a controversial order recognizing vacancies in the state’s local government areas.

Justice Aderibigbe had on February 21, 2025, granted the Osun State government’s request to proceed with the February 22 local government elections, ruling that vacancies existed in the councils despite an Appeal Court judgment on the matter.

In a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye described the judge’s order as strange, arguing that it contradicted a valid ruling from a higher court.

“I appeal to the NJC to investigate Justice Aderibigbe for bringing the judiciary to ridicule with his judgment on February 21, where he recognized vacancies in Osun LGAs after the Court of Appeal reinstated the unjustly sacked elected chairmen and councillors from the October 15, 2022, election,” he said.

He questioned the legality of the judge’s decision, asking: “Can a State High Court order override the judgment of the Court of Appeal?”

“Where and when did Justice Aderibigbe sit to give this order?”

“Why was it the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice who presented the court order to journalists?”

“Can a judge deliver a ruling without involving the affected parties, in this case, the reinstated APC chairmen and councillors?”

“Can a judgment be delivered on a mere Motion on Notice?”

Oyintiloye further emphasized that the Osun State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules only recognize four valid means of commencing legal action: Writ of Summons, Originating Summons, Originating Motion, and Petition. He argued that no valid action can be initiated by a Motion on Notice, making Justice Aderibigbe’s ruling legally questionable.

“The NJC needs to investigate these and many other concerns surrounding Justice Aderibigbe’s ruling,” he added.