The National Judicial Council has absolved the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of allegations of financial impropriety, abuse of office and unethical conduct.
In a statement issued after its meeting on Wednesday, the NJC announced that it had adopted the findings of a three-member investigative panel set up to review a series of petitions filed against the state’s top judicial officer.
According to the Council, the committee found no substance in claims that the Chief Judge diverted public funds, breached financial procedures or violated the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
Petitions against Justice Ojo were lodged by the Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Jimi Bada; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun; and four individuals laying claim to membership of the Judicial Service Commission.
Others included former JUSUN chairman, Eludire Gbenga, Customary Court of Appeal staffer, Temitope Fasina, and three private petitioners.
Among the accusations were arbitrary suspension of judiciary workers, selective promotion, cancellation of training programmes, disregard for court rulings and alleged mismanagement of judiciary funds including claims of diverted retreat allocations and robe allowances.
However, after hearing testimony from all sides and reviewing documentary evidence, the panel held that the joint petition spearheaded by the Attorney General lacked legal standing, noting that the petitioners’ status on the Judicial Service Commission remains the subject of ongoing litigation.
While upholding the right of the remaining petitioners to bring complaints, the panel concluded that the suspension of staff was carried out in line with laid-down procedure and did not amount to misconduct.
It added that personnel promotion and training decisions fall squarely under the purview of the Judicial Service Commission.
On financial concerns, the committee stated plainly that there was no proof Justice Ojo diverted funds or personally benefited from allocations referenced in the petitions.
“All parties were granted fair hearing,” the NJC statement read.
“The committee sat multiple times, witnesses were called and parties were represented by counsel.”
The Council said the panel’s final verdict was that none of the issues raised constituted judicial misconduct or a breach of professional ethics.
With the recommendation to dismiss all petitions adopted in full, Justice Ojo remains cleared of all wrongdoing.