The Chief Judge of Osun State, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, has filed a formal petition before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) against the state’s Attorney -General and Commissioner for justice, Wole Jimi-Bada, alleging professional misconduct, constitutional violations, and conduct unbecoming of a legal practitioner.
In a petition dated and transmitted under the reference BB/LPDC/1672/2025, Justice Ojo accused Mr. Jimi-Bada of unlawfully assuming the title and responsibilities of the Acting Chairman of the Osun State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), despite the subsisting office and constitutional authority of the Chief Judge, who is, by law, the designated Chairman of the JSC.
Justice Ojo, in her petition, expressed deep concern over a memo issued by Mr. Jimi-Bada in which he allegedly described himself as the Acting Chairman of the JSC.
The Chief Judge argues that such action directly contravenes the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which vests the role of JSC Chair solely in the Chief Judge of the state.
“While the office of the Chief Judge as Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission is still subsisting, the Respondent continues to parade himself as Acting Chairman… promoting staff, calling meetings, and taking actions solely reserved for the Chairman,” the petition read.
She further noted that these actions have continued unabated, even amid a pending legal dispute at the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Judicial Division, regarding the constitution of a new JSC by the state government—a case involving erstwhile JSC members.
Justice Ojo’s petition accuses Mr. Jimi-Bada of: Violating Rule 1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) by acting in a manner likely to bring disrepute to the legal profession.
Usurping the constitutional duties of the Chief Judge, thereby creating confusion and institutional instability within the judiciary of Osun State.
Attached to the petition are, A sworn statement on oath by the Chief Judge, Copies of the controversial memo, Evidence of actions taken by Mr. Jimi-Bada under the purported title of Acting Chairman.
In accordance with Rule 10 of the LPDC Rules, 2020, the LPDC has formally notified Wole Jimi-Bada, Esq., directing him to file an affidavit disclosing his defence, along with any supporting documents, within 24 days from the date of receipt of the notice.
The Attorney General is also expected to submit 10 copies of his defence to the Secretary of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, Body of Benchers Office, Abuja, including full disclosure of his name, Supreme Court enrolment number, contact address, email, and phone number(s).
Source – BarristerNG
(vitalnewsngr.com)
