Ondo CSOs Back Women Affairs Commissioner, Urge Calm, Due Process

A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of Concerned Stakeholders for Women Development in Ondo State has rallied support for the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Seun Osamaye, calling for calm, restraint and strict adherence to due process over the ongoing legal controversy involving her.

Addressing journalists in Akure on Wednesday, the group’s coordinator, Mrs Omowunmi Adekunle-Falade, described the situation as an unfortunate development that should be handled with maturity and a sense of responsibility by all parties concerned.

According to her, allegations against the commissioner should not be subjected to public trial or media sensationalism, stressing that claims remain mere allegations until proven by a court of competent jurisdiction.

“This is an unfortunate development that should not be allowed to degenerate into public mudslinging or institutional embarrassment.

 Allegations remain allegations until proven in a competent court of law. We appeal to all sides to exercise restraint and allow justice to take its natural course,” Adekunle-Falade said.

She warned that turning the matter into a public spectacle could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and dent the image of the Ondo State Government, noting that such an approach does little to advance justice or development

The coordinator noted that since the assuming office, Mrs Osamaye has distinguished herself through programs targeted at protecting vulnerable women and children, promoting gender inclusion and strengthening social welfare initiatives across the state.

She cautioned against hasty conclusions capable of distracting the Ministry of Women Affairs from its core mandate of service delivery, particularly at a time when sustained focus is required to deepen gains in women empowerchild protection.

The group’s intervention followed reports that a Magistrate Court sitting in Akure ordered the arrest of the commissioner over allegations of assault involving Chief Magistrate Temitope Alphonso.

Court documents alleged that the incident occurred at the Ministry of Women Affairs during an official engagement involving the magistrate and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary.

An affidavit attached to the charge further claimed that the alleged altercation was linked to a judgment earlier delivered by the magistrate, which was reportedly unfavorable to the commissioner.

During the court proceedings, Mrs Osamaye was absent, with her counsel, Barrister Adewusi, informing the court that she was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Ilara-Mokin. The defense requested a short adjournment to enable it to present proof of her hospitalisation.

Although a medical report was subsequently submitted, the prosecution challenged the document, leading the court to describe it as unsatisfactory and lacking essential details.

The magistrate consequently ordered the arrest and remand of the commissioner and adjourned the matter to January 12 for further hearing.

Reacting to the development, the stakeholders maintained that legal disagreements should be resolved strictly through judicial processes rather than through public accusations capable of inflaming tensions and creating avoidable controversy.

“We strongly believe that dragging the judiciary, the executive arm of government, and individuals through the media does not promote justice or development. Ondo State deserves peace and stability, not avoidable controversy,” Adekunle-Falade said.

The group further appealed to both parties involved in the dispute to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and the rule of law, stressing that public institutions must be protected from undue pressure and reputational harm.

They also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and inflammatory commentary, emphasising that the matter is still before the court and should be treated with seriousness, decorum, and respect for judicial independence.

“As advocates of women development and social justice, we urge everyone to focus on peace, unity, and the continued progress of Ondo State. The truth will emerge through due process, and all parties should be guided by that principle,” the group stated.