Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, expressed his strong disapproval yesterday regarding the arson of the Ilesa High Court 2 building, which was set ablaze by unidentified individuals. He characterized this act as “an unjustifiable attack on the state judiciary.”
Reports from The Guardian indicate that the incident, which took place overnight, resulted in the destruction of critical court documents and exhibits, with the building suffering extensive damage.
Although the state fire service was dispatched to the location, the destruction had already occurred by the time they arrived.
In a statement from Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor reiterated his condemnation of the event and called for a comprehensive investigation, while also enhancing security measures at all court facilities throughout the state.
“Thorough investigation must be conducted by the security agencies to apprehend the suspects and ensure they face the consequences of their actions. I further direct security agencies to beef up surveillance across the various court buildings.
“Additionally, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice is to join hands with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the immediate rehabilitation of the burnt-down building,” the statement noted.
Adeleke characterized the attack as a threat to democracy, emphasizing that the judiciary serves as a crucial stabilizing force and an essential arbiter in the democratic process. He called for support for the judiciary rather than criticism.
In the context of the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election in the state, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, the Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), urged eligible voters to reject the current governor in order to restore effective governance.
Odeyemi asserted that for the state to regain its rightful standing among its peers, it is imperative to establish a responsive and efficient leadership through a credible democratic process free from electoral misconduct.
In a statement provided to journalists in Osogbo, Odeyemi claimed that Adeleke is surrounded by sycophants who lack genuine commitment to the socio-economic development of the state “the present pitiable condition of Osun should be a source of concern to every indigene.”
He stated that certain aides of the governor, who are eager to contribute, have not been assigned to positions where their input would be significant, in order to prevent them from overshadowing their superior.
