A civil society organisation, Concerned Stakeholders for Women Development in Ondo State, has appealed for calm and adherence to due process following a court order issued in connection with an alleged altercation involving the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Seun Osamaye.
The group warned that sensationalising the matter could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and distract the state government from governance, urging all parties to exercise restraint while the legal process runs its course.
Speaking at a press briefing in Akure on Wednesday, the coordinator of the group, Mrs Omowumi Adekunle-Falade, said the controversy should be handled responsibly to prevent unnecessary tension and institutional embarrassment.
Adekunle-Falade described the development as unfortunate, stressing that allegations remain unproven until determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
She said, “This matter should not be allowed to degenerate into public mudslinging. Allegations are not facts until tested by the law. We call on all parties to show maturity and allow justice to take its natural course.”
The group, made up of women advocates, community leaders and development-focused organisations, noted that Osamaye had, since assuming office, implemented programmes aimed at protecting vulnerable women and children, promoting gender inclusion and strengthening social welfare across the state.
According to the stakeholders, rushing to conclusions could disrupt the operations of the Ministry of Women Affairs and divert attention from its core responsibilities.
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 reportedly linked the alleged altercation to a judgment earlier delivered by the magistrate, which was said to be unfavourable to the commissioner.
At the court sitting, Osamaye was absent, with her counsel, Mr Adewusi, informing the court that she was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Ilara-Mokin and requesting an adjournment to enable the defence present evidence of her hospitalisation.
Although a medical report was later submitted, the prosecution challenged its authenticity, prompting the court to describe it as inadequate. The magistrate subsequently ordered the arrest and remand of the commissioner and adjourned the case to January 12 for further hearing.
Reacting to the development, the civil society group maintained that disputes of a legal nature should be resolved strictly within judicial channels rather than through public accusations capable of inflaming tensions.
“We believe that dragging institutions and individuals through the media does not serve justice or development. Ondo State needs peace and stability,” the group stated.
The stakeholders further appealed to the parties involved to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and the rule of law, while urging the public to avoid speculation and inflammatory commentary, noting that the matter remains before the court.
They added that the truth would ultimately emerge through due process and called on residents to prioritise peace, unity and the continued progress of the state.
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