………. Demands Apology From SAN Over Allegations.
Emmanuel Ikpeama
The Kogi State Pension Commission has disclosed that the state government has paid the sum of N278.07 million to 15 retired judicial officers who are yet to receive their full gratuity, dismissing claims of non-payment of retirement benefits in the state.
The Commission stated this on Saturday in a statement signed by its Director-General, Hajia Mariam Ozioma Abedo, in reaction to a publication dated October 23, 2026, credited to Mr. Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, SAN, former Attorney-General of Oyo State, on the entitlements of retired judicial officers in Kogi State.
According to the Commission, the payments were made between January and October 2026 in line with verified entitlements and available resources of the government. 
While affirming the right of citizens and legal practitioners to demand accountability and advocate payment of legitimate benefits, the Commission condemned what it described as offensive language, sweeping allegations and personal attacks directed at Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
It stressed that retirement benefits are obligations of government and that the present administration recognizes the immense contributions of retired judicial officers to justice administration, noting that outstanding gratuity balances should not be interpreted as unwillingness to meet 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 whose entitlement was wrongly handled and seek clarification from relevant authorities, explaining that government must balance its obligations to retirees with other competing needs such as payment of salaries, pensions, roads, schools, hospitals and security.
It also rejected alleged descriptions of Governor Ododo as “puppet”, “effigy”, “pawn”, “toy” and “breastfeeding” Governor, saying such expressions do not establish whether any entitlement was wrongly withheld.
On the allegation that former Governor Yahaya Bello controls the incumbent and would prevent payment of judicial officers’ benefits, the Commission challenged Adebayo to provide credible evidence.
“If Adebayo possesses credible evidence that a particular payment decision has been improperly influenced, he should identify that evidence and present it through the appropriate channels. Serious allegations demand serious evidence,” it added.
The Commission demanded that Adebayo withdraw the alleged abusive descriptions and personal allegations against Governor Ododo and former Governor Bello within 24 hours, publish an unequivocal apology through the same channels used for the original publication, and correct the categorical assertion that no payments had been made.
It warned that failure to comply would compel it to forward formal petitions against him to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee for consideration, noting that the language used raised concerns about professional restraint and responsibility expected of a SAN.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with retired judicial officers and other pensioners over their verified entitlements, assuring that government would sustain responsible administration and constructive engagement in meeting its obligations.
