CURRENT REPORT BLOG In a recent development, former members of the four statutory commissions dissolved by Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osun State have taken legal action. The dissolution, which occurred on October 30, 2023, affected the state Independent Electoral Commission, Osun State Judicial Service Commission, Osun State Civil Service Commission, and Osun State House of Assembly Service Commission. The members, dissatisfied with the decision, have approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State, to challenge their dismissal.
Legal Grounds
The claimants, represented by their counsel Muhydeen Adeoye, have filed four different suits challenging the dissolution. They contend that the sack is illegal and are seeking various reliefs, including voiding their dismissal, reinstatement, and damages amounting to N500 million in each case. The suits name not only Governor Adeleke but also the state Attorney General, Commissioner for Finance, and the State House of Assembly as respondents.
Specific Lawsuits:
The ex-Chairman of the dissolved state Independent Electoral Commission, Segun Oladitan, along with six other members, has urged the court to declare the dissolution illegal and to compel the governor to reinstate them and allow them to complete their 5-year tenure ending in 2025.
Babafemi Osunro and four others challenge the dissolution of the Osun State Civil Service Commission, seeking a declaration of its illegality and demanding reinstatement along with N500 million in damages.
Awolola Abiodun and six others challenge the dissolution of the Osun House of Assembly Service Commission.
Adebayo Salmon and three others ask the court to nullify the governor’s order sacking them from the State Judicial Service Commission before the expiration of their tenure in 2027.
