The Kogi State Pension Commission has disclosed that the sum of ₦278.07 million has been paid to 15 retired judicial officers with outstanding gratuity entitlements from January 2026 to date, demanding a retraction and public apology from one Mutalubi Adebayoa a Senior Advocate od Nigeria, over alleged abusive remarks and unsupported allegations against the state government.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Commission’s Director-General, Hajia Mariam Abedo in response to a publication attributed to Adebayo, a former Attorney-General of Oyo State, concerning the retirement benefits of retired judicial officers in Kogi State.
The Commission stated that the payments were made in line with verified entitlements and resources available to the state government.
The state pension commission maintained that the payment of legitimate retirement benefits remained a government obligation, adding that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo recognises the contributions of retired judicial officers to the administration of justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.
While acknowledging the right of citizens and legal practitioners to demand accountability and advocate the payment of legitimate retirement benefits, the Commission faulted what it described as offensive language, sweeping allegations and personal attacks against the persona of Governor Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello and other officials of the Kogi State Government
The Commission, however, argued that outstanding gratuity balances should not be taken as evidence of hostility towards the judiciary or unwillingness by the government to fulfil its obligations.
“The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a mark of professional distinction that carries commensurate responsibilities. It is no licence to insult public office holders, speculate about their motives or substitute provocative language for verifiable evidence,” the statement said.
The Commission urged Adebayo to identify any specific beneficiary or category of entitlement believed to have been wrongly handled and seek clarification from the appropriate authorities.
The Commission said the Ododo administration remained open to legitimate public scrutiny but insisted that criticism should be based on verifiable facts and reasoned arguments.
It consequently demanded that Adebayo withdraw the alleged abusive descriptions and unsupported allegations against Governor Ododo and former Governor Bello within 24 hours of the publication of its rejoinder.
It also asked the author to publish an unequivocal apology through the same channels used to circulate the original publication and correct the categorical assertion that no payments have been made to retired judicial officers.
The Commission warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period will prompt it to submit formal petitions against Adebayo to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee for consideration.
According to the statement, the language and personal allegations in the publication raised concerns about the standards of restraint, dignity and professional responsibility expected of a legal practitioner, particularly one who holds the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with retired judicial officers and other pensioners over their verified entitlements, adding that the government will continue to meet its obligations through responsible administration, sound financial management and constructive engagement.
“The public deserves accurate information. Retired judicial officers deserve dignity and the settlement of their legitimate entitlements. Public discourse deserves the discipline of evidence, the strength of reasoned argument and respect for the responsibilities that accompany professional distinction,” the statement concluded.
