The simmering tension within the Osun State judiciary has escalated into a full-blown constitutional standoff, as the Honourable Chief Judge of the State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, has filed a formal petition against the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Wole Jimi-Bada, Esq., alleging professional misconduct and grave constitutional infractions.
In the petition, marked BB/LPDC/1672/2025 and addressed to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), Justice Ojo accuses the Attorney General of unlawfully assuming the title and exercising the functions of Acting Chairman of the Osun State Judicial Service Commission (JSC)—a position which, by constitutional mandate, belongs solely to the Chief Judge.
The petition cites a memo authored by Mr. Jimi-Bada in which he purportedly declared himself Acting Chairman of the JSC. According to Justice Ojo, this self-assumed role has been the basis for his convening of meetings, promotion of judicial staff, and issuance of administrative directives—actions she insists are beyond his legal remit.
“These actions not only violate the 1999 Constitution (as amended) but also create institutional instability and confusion within the Osun State Judiciary,” the petition reads.
The Chief Judge revealed that these controversial moves by the Attorney General occurred despite an ongoing lawsuit at the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, challenging the Osun State Government’s reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission. That suit involves former members of the JSC and raises legal questions over the validity of the new appointments.
Justice Ojo argues that the Attorney General’s conduct contravenes Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, which forbids conduct that brings the profession into disrepute. She describes his actions as a “usurpation of constitutional functions” and as “conduct unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”
In support of her petition, Justice Ojo submitted a sworn affidavit, a copy of the contentious memo by the Attorney General, and other documentation allegedly proving his unconstitutional actions.
The LPDC has since served Mr. Jimi-Bada with a formal notice of the petition and instructed him to file a defence affidavit within 24 days of receipt. He is also required to submit ten copies of his defence, along with his full contact and professional particulars, to the LPDC Secretariat at the Body of Benchers Office in Abuja.
The unfolding dispute has sparked unease among legal stakeholders, with concerns mounting that the crisis could severely undermine the independence and functionality of the Osun State Judiciary.
As of press time, the Osun State Government has not issued an official statement in response to the Chief Judge’s petition or the LPDC’s intervention.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
