By Ayodele Ojewumi
Sacked judge of the Osun State High Court, Justice Olamide Oloyede has apologized to the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Aregbesola for her wrong doing.
The Judge admitted using wrong words in a petition that opened the floodgate for her public criticism and eventual dismissal by the National Judicial Commission, (NJC). She spoke on a Radio programme, Frank Talk aired on Rave FM and monitored by Irohinoodua.
She apologized to Aregbesola and his deputy, Mrs Laoye Tomori for using fowl language in the petition she wrote to the State House of Assembly calling for the impeachment of the State Governor. Many saw her petition as a mark of partisan outcry amidst widespread belief that her securing the position of a judge in the first place was sponsored by the Peoples Democratic party, (PDP) which stood in opposition against the All Progressives Congress, (APC) led by Aregbesola. She had made scathing criticisms which were later proved to be false and a red herring by the Osun StAte House of Assembly.
“I think in retrospect, I have come to realize that perhaps, I did employ some words or language in respect of Mr Governor and his deputy, which I ought not to have used and so, today Im tendering an unreserved apology, public apology for the choice of certain words which I would not repeat,” the sober judge said. Her apology is coming on the heels of the arrest of seven judges by the Department of State Security, (DSS).
The judge however said she did not regret writing the petition. She said “ However, as far as the substance of that petition is concerned, I remain resolute and I am convinced that ny actions were done in in fidelity to my office and to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which I sworn to uphold and out of love for my country.” Oloyede has since taken up a job as a lecturer at the Lead City University.