Civil society organisations and judicial staff in Osun State have reacted sharply to a protest at the Osun State High Court in Osogbo over the disbursement of local government funds.
The demonstration, led by reinstated local government chairmen aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), began at the Government House and moved to the court premises. Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Say no to disobedience to court order and judgment” and “Rule of law above other interests,” voicing concern over what they described as judicial defiance of higher court rulings.
The protest follows a legal dispute in which the Osun State Government obtained a bench warrant from a Magistrate Court against executives of United Bank for Africa, alleging the bank released funds to the reinstated APC council chairmen. The Osun State High Court, in Suit No. HOS/M4/2026, had earlier granted an ex parte motion quashing the criminal proceedings against the bank and its staff. Despite this ruling, proceedings reportedly continued before the Magistrate Court presided over by A.A. Adeyeba, prompting objections from the reinstated council officials.
Security personnel, including police, were deployed to maintain order as the protest unfolded.
Maaroof Ogundipe, speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, warned that the continued hearing of the case at the Magistrate Court could escalate tensions. “It is worrisome when the court is seen to be undermining the rule of law. We may petition the National Judicial Council over the matter,” he said.
However, Osun Grassroots Watch criticised the protest as misplaced, arguing that the local government chairmen were not parties to the case. In a statement signed by Executive Director Dr. Yemisi Adetona, the group questioned the chairmen’s involvement and cautioned against actions perceived as attempts to pressure the judiciary. “Grievances arising from court decisions should be addressed through established legal channels. Taking to the streets is not a substitute for due process,” the statement read.
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State branch, also condemned the protest, alleging harassment and intimidation of judicial officers by individuals it described as APC-affiliated council chairmen. In a statement signed by Chairman Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, the union described the development as “a direct assault on the independence and sanctity of the third arm of government.” JUSUN further warned against public commentary on matters before the court, noting that such actions could violate legal principles and interfere with the administration of justice.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over the administration of local government funds in Osun State and raises questions about judicial independence and the proper channels for resolving legal disagreements.
