Members of the dissolved statutory commissions in Osun State have collectively filed a N2 billion lawsuit against Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The four commissions were on Tuesday challenging their dismissal before the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The commissions include Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Osun State Judicial Service Commission, Osun State Civil Service Commission, and Osun State House of Assembly Service Commission.
Background
The legal action follows the governor’s announcement on October 30, 2023, regarding the dissolution of key commissions.
Governor Adeleke’s decision to dissolve these commissions led to the inauguration of new boards on Monday.
However, the former members argue that their abrupt termination occurred before the completion of their mandated five-year tenure, originally set to conclude in 2025.
Each of the four separate suits is seeking N500 million in damages against the governor.
Through their counsel, Muhydeen Adeoye, the removed commission members are urging the court to declare the dissolution and the withholding of salaries and emoluments as illegal.
The suits name additional defendants, including the Osun State Attorney General, Commissioner for Finance, and the state House of Assembly.
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In one of the cases, the sacked Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC)Chairman, Segun Oladitan, and six members are specifically requesting the court to compel the governor to reinstate them and allow them to fulfill their original five-year term.
Similarly, other suits challenge the dissolution of the Osun State Civil Service Commission, Osun House of Assembly Service Commission, and Osun State Judicial Service Commission.
Adeoye, the claimants’ counsel, has confirmed that all parties have been served, and they are now awaiting the court to schedule the hearing date.