By Kamil Opeyemi
Workers in the judicial sector in Osun have on Monday shut down the courts in the state capital, protesting over the sacked Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adepele Ojo.
The protesters said they were protesting against high-handedness in the judiciary in the state saying they were tired of dictatorship.
Among different inscriptions on the placards they displayed were “Judiciary staff deserves better,” “We are tired of oppression and stagnation,” and “Unlawful suspension of Judiciary staff without recourse to Judicial Service Commission is barbaric,” among others.
State Governor, Ademola Adeleke had written to the Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), recommending the appointment of Justice Olayinka David Afolabi as the Osun State Chief Judge to replace the sacked Chief Judge, Justice Ojo.
Trouble had started in the state when Governor Ademola Adeleke’s approval of the order of the State House House of Assembly sacking Justice Ojo over allegations of gross misconduct.
The protesters said they were against high handedness in the state’s judiciary adding that wardrobe allowances meant for workers were placed on hold.
Chairman of the Union, Gbenga Eludire, said the protest was on the ground that the Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Ojo has refused to release wardrobe allowance meant for workers and also suspended some members for three years, despite the fact that the court has vindicated them.
“We are not aware that the Chief Judge has been suspended by the Governor. Whatever is happening between them is strictly a matter between the judiciary and the executive arm of government; it has nothing to do with us.
“Ours is a protest to protect the interests of JUSUN members from the highhandedness of the CJ”, he said.