A Victory for Judicial Independence

The Osun State chapter of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) celebrates the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) decisive clearance of Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, from all allegations, bringing a permanent end to the prolonged and unnecessary suspension saga.

At its 110th meeting on January 13, 2026, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the NJC considered the report of a three-member investigative committee and dismissed every petition against Justice Ojo, including unsubstantiated claims of financial recklessness, diversion of funds, and judicial misconduct.

APM Governorship Candidate, Hon. Adewale Adebayo, hailed the verdict as “a triumph for judicial independence,” emphasizing that this outcome vindicates our November 17, 2023 press release, where we described the suspension as unconstitutional, null, and without legal basis. As we noted then, by the express provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, state governors have no disciplinary control over chief judges or other judicial officers.

“This NJC decision restores public confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and sends a clear warning against political interference in judicial matters,” Adebayo said, commending the NJC for its courage, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

The party calls on the Osun State Government and House of Assembly to respect the NJC’s ruling and allow Justice Ojo to resume her duties without further obstruction.

APM also criticizes Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration for enabling and prolonging this crisis, exposing a pattern of executive overreach and legislative complicity through a rubber-stamp Assembly. The episode reflects a lack of preparedness for governance and a disregard for constitutional limits.

“This verdict underscores that politically motivated attacks on judicial independence waste public resources, erode trust in state institutions, and reinforce the urgent need for accountable leadership as Osun approaches the 2026 governorship election,” the statement concludes.