A civil society organisation, the Upline Centre for Development, has called for an amicable and balanced resolution of the legal situation involving the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Seun Osamaye, and Chief Magistrate Temitope Alphonso.
The group made the call in a statement issued in Akure, Ondo State, and signed by its Executive Director, Mr Alo Martins, stressing the need to protect both judicial integrity and effective service delivery to vulnerable citizens.
According to the organisation, while the independence of the judiciary and the dignity of judicial officers must be respected at all times, the executive arm of government also plays a critical role in safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable populations through dedicated public servants.
The CSO highlighted the performance record of the Ministry of Women Affairs under Mrs Osamaye, noting that since March 2025, the ministry has recorded 59 major milestones across the state.
These, it said, include the empowerment of over 10,000 girl children, support for more than 1,000 low income women, 500 farmers, 400 widows and 200 small scale traders, as well as the provision of free medical services to over 3,000 elderly persons. The ministry was also credited with the rehabilitation of abandoned children and persons living with disabilities.
The group said the achievements demonstrate a deep commitment to the welfare of Ondo State’s most vulnerable citizens and should not be ignored in the ongoing legal matter.
Presenting its position, the Upline Centre for Development stated that preliminary findings suggest the issue requires deeper and more comprehensive investigation.
The organisation emphasised the need for full context, including the events leading to the incident, the substance of any prior court judgment and what transpired during the magistrate’s visit.
It insisted that fair justice demands that the accounts of both parties be heard fully and accorded equal weight, adding that the Commissioner’s years of service to vulnerable populations should warrant a thorough and impartial investigation.
The CSO also stressed the principle of proportionality, warning that any consequences should be based on established facts rather than preliminary allegations.
It further expressed concern that disruptions to the Ministry of Women Affairs could negatively impact thousands of citizens who depend on its social intervention programmes.
In its appeal, the group called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently ensure that the Commissioner receives fair hearing, facilitate dialogue between the parties and protect critical social programmes while balancing the demands of justice.
The organisation also urged the judiciary to ensure that all parties present full accounts, determine whether complete context has been established and explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms where appropriate.
Calling on both parties to embrace dialogue and reconciliation, the CSO noted that the dispute goes beyond individuals and directly affects the welfare of vulnerable citizens across the state.
“This matter affects thousands of people who depend on functioning government services. A dedicated public servant with a proven track record should not be destroyed based on incomplete narratives, just as judicial dignity must be upheld. Both objectives serve justice,” the statement read.
The group concluded by calling for justice that is thorough, fair and complete, while reaffirming its readiness to support reconciliation efforts in the interest of peace and good governance in Ondo State.
Leave a Reply