Court Grants Interim Order Restraining Osun Governor and Others in Rector Appointment.
The Lagos Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has issued an interim order restraining Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and 14 others from proceeding with the appointment of a Rector for Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.
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This significant decision was reached by Justice Opeloye Ogunbowale following an ex parte motion filed by the suspended Rector of the institution, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo. Dr. Odetayo had challenged what he referred to as his “illegal suspension.”
In addition to restraining Governor Adeleke and the other respondents, Justice Ogunbowale ordered them to halt any further action regarding the institution until the hearing of the motion on notice. He also directed that a hearing notice be issued to all respondents ahead of the next adjourned date.
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The motion ex parte was presented by Mr. Rasheed Adeniyi Oluwofobi, counsel for Dr. Odetayo. In this motion, Dr. Odetayo requested an interim injunction to prevent the defendants/respondents from enforcing the suspension letter issued on July 11, 2023, and the subsequent query letter dated August 1, 2023, both of which he received.
Among the respondents in the case, marked NICN/OS/37/2023, are the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Osun State, the Ministry of Education, the Governing Council of OSPOLY, and several other key figures involved in the investigation and suspension of Dr. Odetayo.
In his submission, Oluwofobi highlighted the timing of the suspension and query, emphasizing that the suspension preceded the query by almost a month, a sequence that raised concerns.
Justice Ogunbowale granted the application and issued an order of interim injunction, restraining the defendants/respondents from taking any further action on the matter until the determination of the Motion On Notice. The case is scheduled to resume on October 10, 2023, for a full hearing.
This court decision underscores the importance of proper procedures and adherence to due process in administrative actions and appointments within educational institutions and government agencies. It also highlights the significance of the judicial system in safeguarding individuals’ rights and ensuring justice is served.
