By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lagos State Judiciary has cleared Chief Magistrate O.O. Olatunji of the Tinubu Magistrate Court to continue presiding over the case involving whistleblower and former Kosofe Local Government official, Ganiyu Olamiji Oyebanjo.
This follows a petition earlier filed against the magistrate over his alleged refusal to sign Oyebanjo’s bail documents in the case between The Commissioner of Police v. Oyebanjo Ganiyu Olamiji.
READ MORE: Kosofe LG Official Regains Freedom After Meeting Bail Conditions
In an official letter issued by A.S. Odusanya, Deputy Chief Registrar (Administration) of the Lagos State High Court, the judiciary confirmed that the petition—addressed to Chief Ibrahim Oyebanjo of Anthony, Lagos—was duly investigated under the directive of the Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem O. Alogba.
The letter stated that after review, the Chief Judge directed that the case should proceed before Magistrate O.O. Olatunji, effectively clearing the judicial officer of any wrongdoing.
Background
Ganiyu Oyebanjo, a former Supervisory Councillor for Boundary Matters in Kosofe Local Government, has been an outspoken critic of alleged corruption and administrative irregularities within the council. He describes himself as a whistleblower advocating transparency in local governance.
Earlier in the year, Oyebanjo was arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate Court on allegations of theft of official documents and conspiracy. He was later granted bail, but his supporters claimed the case was politically motivated, linking it to his fallout with the Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe.
Political Undercurrents
The petition and ensuing investigation have reignited tensions among political actors in Kosofe, one of Lagos State’s most politically active councils.
Analysts suggest the case reflects broader issues of governance accountability and the alleged use of state institutions to silence dissent. KosofePost.com had earlier reported that Oyebanjo’s suspension and subsequent prosecution deepened divisions within the council, sparking debates about selective justice and abuse of power.
Next Steps
With the Chief Judge’s directive allowing Magistrate O.O. Olatunji to continue presiding over the matter, attention now turns to how the Lagos judiciary manages the proceedings.
Observers note that the outcome could set a precedent for the treatment of whistleblowers and politically exposed persons in Nigeria’s local government system.
The clearance of Magistrate O.O. Olatunji adds a new twist to the long-running controversy surrounding Ganiyu Oyebanjo’s whistleblowing campaign and legal challenges.
Beyond the courtroom, the case continues to raise critical questions about judicial integrity, local government accountability, and the broader protection of whistleblowers within Nigeria’s democratic system.
