Osun judge withdraws from NULGE vs APC case over allegations of bias
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Justice Isiaka Adeleke has recused himself from a suit filed by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, against reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) council chairmen and councillors over alleged bias.
NULGE had approached the court seeking an order to bar the reinstated officials from accessing local government secretariats across the state.
However, the case faced a setback after Justice Adeleke stepped down, citing a petition from Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, accusing him of planning to rule in NULGE’s favor without fair hearing.
The judge also referenced a statement by APC leader Sunday Akere, who at a press conference alleged the court was plotting to deliver a “kangaroo judgment” to incite unrest in the state. Justice Adeleke said such comments had undermined public trust in the court’s neutrality.
“In my opinion, justice is rooted in public confidence. I cannot proceed to hear this matter under the current circumstances, as any judgment would be seen as biased,” he stated.
“I shall disqualify myself from this suit and return the file, HIK/5/2025, to the Honourable Chief Judge for reassignment.”
The court also ordered that all defendants and respondents, including the APC, its elected local government officials, the Inspector-General of Police, DG of DSS, NSCDC Commandant-General, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police, be served notices and proof of service submitted at the next adjourned date.
