Ekiti State Judge Raises the Alarm Over Exclusion from Chief Judge Shortlist
A judicial officer in Ekiti State, Justice Babajide Aladejana, has expressed outrage over his exclusion from the shortlist of nominees for the position of Chief Judge of Ekiti State.
The shortlist, which was forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC) by the Ekiti State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), allegedly favours Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s preferred candidate, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye.
Justice Aladejana argues that his exclusion not only disregards judicial seniority convention but also revives a painful chapter of past injustice.
He was suspended from office for 16 years, from 2006 to 2023, following his alleged involvement in the impeachment of former Governor Ayodele Fayose.
Despite his reinstatement, Justice Aladejana claims that he is being unfairly sidelined once again.
The Ekiti State government has justified Justice Aladejana’s exclusion by citing his posting to Court 3, while Justice Ogunmoye sits in Court 2. However, Justice Aladejana contends that this reasoning is “unconstitutional, against convention, and common sense.”
He argues that courtroom assignment is an administrative matter that does not determine judicial seniority.
Justice Aladejana’s suspension in 2006 was based on a disputed NJC recommendation, which he claims was unjust.
The Ekiti State government neither implemented the recommendation nor replaced him permanently, instead continuing to appeal for his reinstatement. Upon his reinstatement in 2023, Justice Aladejana was posted to Court 3, a decision made by the late Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, who was appointed six years after him.
Justice Aladejana notes that the same alleged infraction that led to his 16-year suspension – serving as Acting Chief Judge without constitutional authority – is now being repeated in the appointment of Justice Ogunmoye as acting CJ.
He views this as a troubling parallel, where the same issue that led to his suffering is now being ignored in favor of his junior colleague.
Justice Aladejana’s exclusion from the shortlist has raised constitutional and ethical questions, and he is demanding justice.
His case highlights the need for transparency and fairness in the appointment of judicial officers, particularly in the selection of the Chief Judge.
As the NJC considers the nominees, Justice Aladejana’s plea for reconsideration serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding judicial seniority convention and ensuring that the appointment process is free from bias and favoritism.
