The Vanguard for the Defence of the Rule of Law (VDRL) has issued a stern warning to the Deputy Governor of Oyo State and the Chief Judge of state, urging them to refrain from attending the scheduled Obaship elevation ceremony tomorrow.
This follows reports that the ceremony is set to proceed despite ongoing legal challenges and controversies surrounding the appointment and installation of the Baale Oloja of Ago-Oja and other so-called Obas.
VDRL notes that the Supreme Court is set to hear a motion seeking to set aside the appointment, installation, and elevation of the Baale Oloja of Ago-Oja, and therefore, any attempt to proceed with the ceremony would be a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the judicial process.
“The VDRL will not hesitate to file formal complaints at the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) against any lawyer or judge involved in this illegality,” the statement warns.
The group warns the Deputy Governor that the actions of the Oyo State government and the Chief Judge are not only unconstitutional but also undermine the integrity of the judiciary and the rule of law.
The group urged the Chief Judge, who is reportedly set to attend, to remember her past ordeal at the NJC for alleged misconduct before she got a second chance.
“As for the Deputy Governor who is also a former Attorney-General of the State, we hope that the vanities of office has not made him forget Rule 1 of the RPC for lawyers,” the group noted.
VDRL urges all stakeholders to respect the judicial process and allow the Supreme Court to rule on the matter.
The group assures the public of its commitment to defending the rule of law and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s institutions.
