PDP Leaders Accuse Oyo Judge of Judicial Recklessness
Prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party have taken decisive action by filing a formal petition with the National Judicial Council against Justice A.L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court. The petition, dated November 5, 2025, demands immediate disciplinary measures against the judge for what they term as acts of judicial recklessness, impunity, and gross misconduct.
Conflicting Court Orders Spark Crisis
The controversy centers around an ex parte order granted by Justice Akintola on November 4, 2025, which authorized the PDP to proceed with its national convention in Ibadan scheduled for November 15 and 16. This decision directly conflicts with an earlier ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had explicitly restrained the party from holding the convention on those exact dates.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, through Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 delivered on October 31, had already issued a clear injunction preventing the convention from taking place. The petitioners, including Hon. Austine Nwachukwu, Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George, argue that Justice Akintola's actions represent a brazen violation of judicial hierarchy by effectively sitting on appeal over a court of coordinate jurisdiction.
Threat to Judicial Integrity
In their strongly worded petition, the PDP stakeholders expressed deep concern about the potential consequences of Justice Akintola's decision. They warned that this development not only undermines the sanctity of the rule of law but also poses a significant threat to the integrity of Nigeria's entire judicial system.
This disturbing development not only undermines the sanctity of the rule of law but also threatens the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, the petition states. If left unchecked, it could set a dangerous precedent where judicial officers become instruments of political expediency rather than impartial arbiters of justice.
The petitioners have called upon the NJC to demonstrate the same swiftness it showed in handling similar cases of judicial misconduct in Rivers and Imo States. They emphasized that prompt intervention is crucial to restore public confidence in the judiciary and ensure that judicial officers remain accountable for their actions.
The NJC must reaffirm its commitment to discipline and impartiality by ensuring that errant judicial officers are held accountable without delay, the petitioners asserted. They reiterated their confidence in the Chief Justice of Nigeria's leadership while maintaining that the judiciary must remain the last hope of the common man, not a willing tool for those seeking to subvert justice.
Related Court Proceedings Continue
In a separate but related development, Justice Ladiran Akintola has adjourned the hearing of a Motion on Notice in the suit filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi against the Peoples Democratic Party, its Acting National Chairman, and other respondents. The case, which has attracted significant political attention ahead of the party's National Convention, will now proceed on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
The court decided to allow all parties additional time to file and exchange necessary documents before substantive proceedings can begin. Justice Akintola emphasized the importance of properly filing all relevant documents after listening to submissions from counsels representing both sides of the case.
The petitioners expressed hope that the NJC would treat their complaint with the urgency it deserves, reinforcing the fundamental principle that no one—regardless of their position—is above the law.
