Secretary’s transfer triggers judicial crisis in Osun State
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
The Osun State Judicial Service Commission is facing a crisis after its secretary, Abosede Fagbola, was transferred to a public teaching hospital. Her replacement by an administrator who is not a lawyer has raised questions about compliance with the law governing the commission, according to sources cited by The PUNCH.
The transfer of Abosede Fagbola, secretary of the Osun State Judicial Service Commission, to the teaching hospital of Osun State University has triggered a dispute within the institution, reports Nigerian daily The Punch. Fagbola was allegedly prevented from entering her office last Monday, while Isiaka Alao, deputy director of administration and supplies, was appointed to perform her duties in an acting capacity.
According to sources within the commission cited by The Punch, Alao’s appointment, despite him not being a lawyer, raises questions in light of a law published in the official gazette that reportedly requires the commission’s secretary to be a lawyer. Fagbola’s transfer was ordered on 18 September by the office of the state head of the civil service, although she herself had informed Alao on 14 September of his transfer to the Osun Customary Court of Appeal.
Fagbola referred the matter to the commission’s vice-chairman, who is president of the Customary Court of Appeal. She claims that Alao refused to take up his new post, describes her own transfer as punitive and is seeking its cancellation. The state’s chief judge, Adepele Ojo, chairs the commission and had instructed Fagbola to carry out Alao’s transfer.
