By Campus Mirror
Olabisi Onabanjo University Student Union Government (OOUSUG)
has appointed WALIYU TEMITOPE AZEEZ, a law student with matriculation number: Law/18/19/0084 as acting Chief Judge of the OOUSUG Judicial Council. The seat of chief judge of the judicial council had been vacant since the 2021/2022 OOUSUG led by Comrade Feyisetan Adeogun Moshood began administration and this led to neglect of all the functions regarding that office.
In line with the provisions of Section 43 of the Constitution of Olabisi Onabanjo University 2019/2020, the 35th OOUSUG President made the appointment based on recommendations from the Law Student Society. The new Acting Chief Judge, Waliyu Temitope Azeez, was selected due to his academic excellence and demonstrated leadership qualities.
Waliyu Temitope Azeez, the Acting Chief Judge of the judicial council while releasing his acceptance speech stated that he's full of enthusiasm to serve as the custodian of justice and lead the judiciary system of the OOU SUG. He stated that "I have strived to maintain the highest standards of civility, impartiality, and ethical conduct. I firmly believe in the importance of equal access to justice and ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity within the legal system".
In a dramatic turn of events, the OOUSUG (OOU Student Union Government) Senate has issued a strong statement declaring the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge by the Executive Council null and void. According to the OOUSUG Constitution, Section 43 (2) as amended, the appointment process for the Chief Judge position should be carried out with due diligence and in compliance with the law. However, the recent appointment made by the Executive Council, led by the President, has left many questioning the adherence to these fundamental principles.
The SUG Senate brought to light that the House received two different nominations from the Union President, one of which did not meet the requirements of the law and was subsequently rejected. The second nomination, submitted on April 30th, is currently pending deliberation and ratification by the House. They stated, "We cannot condone actions that undermine justice and fairness within the student union government". The Senate has also urged the Central Executive Council, including the President, to respect the independence of the Senate and uphold the integrity of the Constitution, which they have sworn to uphold.
Hence, the Senate has called for an open dialogue to address this matter and find a resolution that respects the democratic values and principles that underpin the Student Union Government. This development has garnered significant attention within the university community, with students divided over the legitimacy of the appointment. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Executive Council will respond to the Senate's declaration and whether a resolution can be achieved to restore confidence in the Student Union Government.
In another turn of events, the OOU SUG Legal Director, Oshungboye Adesoji issued a press release that clarified the legal standpoint of the SUG President's power to appoint an acting Chief Judge, by expressing it is well permitted by the Constitution, according to Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The SUG Legal Director, therefore, supported the President's appointment and advised the Senate to respect the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge. "For the sake of equity and law, delay of any appointment renders the essence of our call to service malicious and useless," the Press Release concluded.
The entire OOU community eagerly awaits further developments in this unfolding controversy, as the university's student body continues to strive for transparency, accountability, and an equitable representation of their interests.
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