IN THE MATTER OF A PETITION BY THE HONOURABLE CHIEF JUDGE OF OSUN STATE AGAINST THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR ALLEGED PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT AND CONSTITUTIONAL INFRACTIONS
The simmering power tussle within the Osun State judiciary has taken a dramatic turn as the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, has formally petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), accusing the state Attorney General, Wole Jimi-Bada, Esq., of gross professional misconduct and constitutional violations.
In a petition referenced BB/LPDC/1672/2025, Justice Ojo alleges that Mr. Jimi-Bada unlawfully assumed the title and functions of Acting Chairman of the Osun State Judicial Service Commission (JSC)—a role constitutionally reserved for the Chief Judge.
The petition highlights a memo issued by the Attorney General in which he declared himself Acting Chairman of the JSC. Justice Ojo claims that, leveraging this self-assumed title, Mr. Jimi-Bada has convened meetings, promoted judiciary staff, and made high-level administrative decisions, effectively bypassing the Chief Judge’s constitutional authority.
“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’s petition further reveals that these developments occurred despite ongoing litigation at the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, over the constitution of a new Judicial Service Commission by the state government—a case that involves former JSC members.
Justice Ojo accuses the Attorney General of breaching Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibits conduct that could bring the legal profession into disrepute. She argues that Mr. Jimi-Bada’s actions amount to usurpation of constitutional functions and constitute “conduct unbecoming of a legal practitioner.”
Supporting documents submitted with the petition include a sworn affidavit by the Chief Judge, copies of the controversial memo, and other evidence allegedly showing the Attorney General exercising powers reserved exclusively for the JSC Chairman.
In response, the LPDC has formally notified Mr. Jimi-Bada of the allegations and directed him to file a defense affidavit within 24 days of receiving the notice. He is required to submit ten copies of his defense to the Secretary of the LPDC at the Body of Benchers Office in Abuja, along with his full professional and contact details.
The escalating dispute has sparked concerns among legal practitioners and stakeholders, with many warning that the internal crisis threatens the independence and stability of the Osun State judiciary.
The state government has yet to issue an official response to the latest developments.
