By Kawaekwune Jeffrey
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has issued a formal warning to Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court in respect of what it called an “uncouth” language used in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. This action was part of the resolutions taken at the NJC’s 106th meeting held on August 14 and 15, 2024, respectively.
The NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, disclosed that the Council’s decision stemmed from Justice Olagunju’s letter concerning the NJC’s policy on the appointment of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Oyo State. The Council emphasized the need for judicial officers to exercise caution and decorum, even in challenging situations.
In addition, the NJC reviewed 22 petitions filed against 27 judicial officers across Federal and State High Courts. While 18 of these petitions were dismissed for lack of merit or because they were abandoned or subjudice, the Council said it found grounds in the remaining cases. This consequently lead to the establishment of four investigative committees by the NJC.
Furthermore, the NJC has placed five judges on a pre-sanction watch list for poor performance, warning that they will face sanctions if they do not demonstrate sufficient capacity or improvement in the discharge of their duties.
As this was the last NJC meeting before the retirement of Chief Justice Ariwoola, members expressed their appreciation to the retiring CJN his leadership and extended their best wishes to him in retirement.
