The political landscape in Osun State is currently buzzing with serious allegations as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind calls for a thorough investigation into a series of controversial letters. These letters, allegedly originating from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court’s office, are at the heart of a deepening crisis surrounding local government funds and the administration at the third tier of government in the state. The PDP fears these correspondences could undermine the integrity of the judicial process.
Key Points at a Glance:
- Osun PDP calls for a probe into suspicious letters related to local government funds.
- Allegations of judicial process manipulation involving the Chief Judge’s office.
- Controversial letters purportedly assigned a case to a judge even after court vacation.
- Concerns raised about letters being signed by non-judicial officers and potential backdating.
- The PDP warns of grievous injury to the nation’s judicial integrity if allegations are true.
- Accusations of political motives behind the alleged manipulation.
The Heart of the Matter: Alleged Judicial Misconduct
The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly demanded that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court launch an immediate investigation. The focal point of their concern is a letter dated September 2, 2025, which they claim was improperly issued from the Chief Judge’s office. This letter allegedly directed that a case, which was already before a vacation judge, should continue to be heard by that same judge even after the vacation period ended. This is highly unusual in standard judicial practice.
Unusual Letters and Unidentified Signatories
According to the state PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, the situation is not just about one letter. He revealed that a previous letter, dated August 21, 2025, was purportedly signed by Joshua Ibrahim Aji, Esq., who identified himself as a Special Assistant to the Chief Judge. Bisi stressed that a Special Assistant is not a judicial officer, and therefore, cannot exercise judicial powers, whether directly or through delegation. This act, he described, is a “gross aberration.”
To make matters even more suspicious, the subsequent letter dated September 2, 2025, was reportedly not even signed by the Special Assistant himself. Instead, it bore the signature of an unidentified individual acting on behalf of the Special Assistant. The PDP expressed grave concerns about this letter, especially given that it was delivered to the Osun State counsel on September 11, 2025, more than a week after its supposed signing date. This delay and the mysterious signature have fueled suspicions that the letter might have been backdated to serve political purposes.
Political Tensions and the APC’s Accusations
The current controversy unfolds against a backdrop of existing political tensions. Earlier, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had pointed fingers at Christopher Arapasopo, the state chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). The APC accused Arapasopo of fueling labor unrest within the state. They specifically stated that Arapasopo was not showing enough empathy towards the members of the state National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), who had been observing a sympathy strike for seven months in solidarity with Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Undermining Judicial Integrity: The PDP’s Warning
The PDP vehemently argues that the issuance of such letters by individuals not vested with judicial authority is a “bizarre and unprecedented abuse of the judicial process.” They highlighted that no party involved in the court case had formally applied for the transfer of the case, making the letters even more questionable.
“We have every reason to suspect that that letter may have been backdated to achieve political ends,” Bisi stated. “This suspicion is strong because when the case came up on September 8, 2025, in Abuja, neither the court nor the party to which it was addressed spoke about the letter. This is bizarre, unprecedented, and unacceptable.” The party warned that such actions, if proven true, would inflict “grievous injury to the nation’s judicial integrity.”
The Rule of Law and Judicial Independence
The PDP emphasized that the law is clear on how judicial matters are handled. According to the Federal High Court Act, any application to transfer a case from one judge to another must be made formally, in open court, before the presiding judge. This process cannot be circumvented through clandestine letters or anonymous signatures.
Furthermore, the PDP pointed out the suspicious nature of the August 21 letter, which suggested the case would become “nugatory” if not heard during vacation. They argued that such a determination of fact and law should only be made in open court, with all parties present and heard. An administrative letter prejudging the issue, they contend, demonstrates bias and prejudice, thereby compromising the independence of the judiciary.
Strange Correspondence to a Withdrawn Party
Adding another layer of oddity, the September 2 letter was reportedly addressed directly to Akin Olujinmi, SAN, the counsel for the 3rd Defendant (the Attorney-General of the Federation). This is particularly strange because, according to the PDP, that defendant had already been withdrawn from the case and was no longer a party. The PDP questioned how the Chief Judge’s office could issue official letters to a party that no longer had a legal standing in the matter before the court, calling it “strange, bizarre, and deeply troubling.”
Demands for Accountability and Transparency
The PDP is questioning why the office of the Chief Judge might be hesitant to have the case heard in the Osogbo Division of the Federal High Court, where it was originally filed. They suspect “backdoor manipulation” by individuals unfamiliar with legal procedures.
Their clear stance is that the matter should be returned to the regular Federal High Court in Osogbo. Any request for a transfer, they reiterate, must follow the lawful procedure of open application before the presiding judge. Anything less, they argue, is illegal.
“We demand accountability. We demand transparency. Above all, we demand respect for the rule of law,” concluded the PDP chairman, urging the Chief Judge to investigate the alleged irregularities and hold those responsible accountable. This situation highlights the ongoing scrutiny of judicial processes and their potential susceptibility to political influence.
Further Reading:
- Judges Cannot Be Transferred By Administrative Letters: Chief Registrar
- Judicial Powers Not Exercisable By Proxies
About The Author
