Court Upholds Olujimi Oyetomi’s Right to Promotion
In a noteworthy ruling, Justice O.A. Obaseki of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja has affirmed that promotions within the civil service are a right rather than a privilege. This decision arises from the case of Olujimi Ayobami Oyetomi versus the Federal Civil Service Commission.
The court has granted Oyetomi a promotion to the position of Director of Information, effective January 1, 2018. This judgment follows a lawsuit brought by Oyetomi, represented by Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, and Michael Okejimi, Esq., of Kayode Ajulo (SAN) & Co. Oyetomi argued that he had fulfilled all necessary criteria for promotion.
The court determined that Oyetomi had met the required standards, including passing the necessary examinations. It dismissed claims of a lack of vacancy after these exams, reinforcing the notion that civil servants have the right to seek legal recourse if they feel they have been unjustly treated by administrative decisions.
Michael Okejimi described the judgment as a landmark decision, unprecedented in its implications.
