THE National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, for elevation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The recommendation was disclosed in a statement issued yesterday by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe.
She said the decision was taken at the Council’s 110th meeting held on January 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Justice Oyewole, who was born on May 13, 1965, hails from Ila-Orangun in Osun State. His nomination fills the South-West slot at the Supreme Court left vacant following the retirement of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
In addition to his nomination, the NJC also approved 35 other candidates for various judicial positions across the country.
Among the approvals, 27 candidates were recommended for appointment as judges of different State High Courts.
Borno and Plateau states are to receive six judges each, Ekiti five, Niger and Delta four each, while Benue and Taraba will get one judge apiece.
The Council also recommended the appointment of six Kadis to the Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger State, three in Taraba State, and two judges to the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State.
The NJC further approved a three-month extension of the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice I. O. Agugua, while urging the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, to immediately begin the process of constituting the State Judicial Service Commission to facilitate the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.
The Council stressed that a timely appointment is essential for judicial stability, independence, and effective administration of justice in the state.
In disciplinary matters, the Council cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of allegations relating to financial misconduct and abuse of office, following the adoption of the report of a three-member investigative committee.
It also dismissed a petition against a Delta State High Court judge, Justice Gentu E. Timi, over alleged professional misconduct linked to a chieftaincy dispute.
Meanwhile, the NJC reversed the earlier one-year suspension without pay imposed on Justice Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division.
Out of 39 petitions reviewed, 26 were dismissed for lack of merit, seven were referred for further investigation, and two judicial officers were cautioned.
The Council also reiterated its warning against the indiscriminate grant of ex parte orders and advised heads of courts to exercise caution when assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges.
The Council additionally set up a committee to review requests submitted by nine dismissed judges of the Imo State Judiciary, but declined to consider a fresh petition against the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, having previously addressed the same issues.