The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Ibadan, has issued restraining orders against the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, preventing the removal of the State Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo, and Michael Obidiya as the Secretary of the State Judicial Service Commission.
The court’s decision follows two separate suits filed by Ojo and Obidiya, represented by their counsel, Oladipo Olasope.
In suit number NICN/IB/6123, Chief Judge Ojo sought an order of interim injunction to prevent the defendants from interfering with her appointment and conditions of service, including salaries and benefits, until 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 granted the injunction and ordered the state to continue paying her salary and entitlements. The matter is adjourned for a hearing on December 12, 2023.
Similarly, in suit number NICN/IB/60/23, Secretary Obidiya obtained an interim order restraining the defendants from removing him and appointing a replacement, including Mrs. Abosede Fagbola.
The court also restrained the state from giving effect to a circular issued on November 7, 2023, regarding the transfer of Mrs. Abosede Fagbola.
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 4 Defendant, Accountant General of Osun State, is here ordered and directed to continue to pay the salary, entitlements, emoluments, remuneration and other benefits.”
The hearing for the pending motion on notice is scheduled for December 12, 2023.
