Ekiti State Judiciary Disowns Magistrate's Order
posted 8th February 2025
Ekiti State, Nigeria — In a swift and decisive move, the Ekiti State Judiciary has officially distanced itself from a controversial order issued by the Ikole Ekiti Magistrate Court on 23rd January 2025. The order, which attracted widespread public outcry and condemnation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has since been vacated.
The said order, which reportedly involved an Order by Chief Magistrate Oluwadare T.O. Esq. barring lawyers from applying to lift a freezing order—and even directing their arrest, was met with significant backlash due to its perceived lack of alignment with the principles of justice and fairness. The Nigerian Bar Association had strongly criticised the ruling, calling for the immediate removal of the magistrate involved and urging for disciplinary measures to be enacted.
In a press release signed by the Chief Registrar of the Ekiti State High Court, Olanike Adegoke Esq., the judiciary expressed deep regret over the issuance of the order, emphasising that it does not reflect the image or values of the Ekiti State Judiciary. The statement affirmed that the judiciary is committed to upholding the highest standards of justice, fairness, and transparency in all its proceedings.
To address the situation and ensure accountability, the Ekiti State Judiciary has established a Panel of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate the matter and provide appropriate recommendations. This move underscores the judiciary’s dedication to maintaining integrity and excellence within the administration of justice.
“The Management of Ekiti State Judiciary appreciates the support of the public and the confidence reposed in the Ekiti State Judiciary. We assure the public that the judiciary will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and excellence in the administration of justice,” the statement read.
The judiciary’s prompt response and the establishment of an inquiry panel aim to restore public confidence and reinforce the commitment of the Ekiti State Judiciary to justice and ethical judicial conduct.
Further updates will follow as the Panel of Inquiry progresses with its investigation.
Meanwhile Professor Chidi Odinkalu has criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for seemingly celebrating the statement by Ekiti Judiciary.
According to him:
"I am both surprised and deeply disappointed by the Nigerian Bar Association’s @NigBarAssoc decision to celebrate the recent statement from the Ekiti State Judiciary regarding the controversial court order. Rather than distancing itself from a deeply flawed and damaging response, the NBA, under the leadership of @afamosigwe, has chosen to applaud it. This is a missed opportunity to uphold the integrity of the legal profession and the judiciary.
Let’s be clear: the original court order issued in Ekiti State was condemnable. However, the statement from the Chief Registrar (CR) of the Ekiti State Judiciary is, in many ways, worse and more damaging. Here’s why:
Lack of Transparency:
The statement claims the original order has been set aside, but it provides no details on how, when, or under what circumstances this was done. There is no accompanying court order or judgment for public scrutiny. This opacity undermines the very principles of justice and accountability that the judiciary is meant to uphold. We are left to speculate about the integrity of the process, which is unacceptable.
Misplaced Priorities:
The CR’s primary concern, as stated, is that the original order “reflects poorly on the image of the Ekiti State Judiciary.” This reveals a troubling focus on reputation management rather than addressing the substantive issues raised by the order. The problem is not merely about “image”; it is about the integrity of judicial processes and the rule of law. The CR’s statement demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of the gravity of the situation.
Fictional Panel of Inquiry:
The claim that a “panel of inquiry” has been set up to investigate the matter is, at best, questionable. Judicial matters are not typically handled by panels of inquiry; they fall under the purview of the Judicial Service Commission. The creation of such a panel appears to be an attempt to circumvent established legal procedures, further eroding confidence in the judiciary’s independence and accountability.
A Pattern of Judicial Compromise:
This statement is part of a broader pattern that highlights the lack of judicial independence in Ekiti State. From the handling of @DeleFarotimi’s case to the issuance of the original order and now this statement, it is evident that the judiciary in Ekiti State is struggling to maintain its independence and credibility. The NBA’s celebration of this statement only reinforces this troubling pattern.
The NBA’s Duty to Act:
The Nigerian Bar Association has a duty to itself, its members, and the public to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and the legal profession. Celebrating a statement that lacks transparency, fails to address substantive issues, and potentially undermines judicial independence is a dereliction of this duty. Instead of applauding, the NBA should be calling for a thorough investigation by the Judicial Service Commission and demanding accountability for any misconduct.
