Civil society organizations and judicial staff in Osun State have expressed strong opposition to a protest that took place at the Osun State High Court in Osogbo regarding the disbursement of local government funds. The demonstration was led by reinstated local government chairmen affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). It began at the Government House and proceeded to the court premises, where protesters displayed placards with messages such as “Say no to disobedience to court order and judgment” and “Rule of law above other interests.” These slogans reflected their concerns about what they perceived as judicial defiance of higher court rulings.
The protest was triggered by a legal dispute in which the Osun State Government secured a bench warrant from a Magistrate Court against executives of the United Bank for Africa. The government alleged that the bank had released funds to the reinstated APC council chairmen. Previously, the Osun State High Court, in Suit No. HOS/M4/2026, had granted an ex parte motion that quashed 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, leading to objections from the reinstated council officials. To maintain order during the protest, security personnel, including police, were deployed.
Maaroof Ogundipe, representing the demonstrators, cautioned that the ongoing hearings at the Magistrate Court could heighten tensions. He stated, “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.” In contrast, Osun Grassroots Watch criticized the protest as misguided, 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 warned against actions that could be 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 asserted.
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun State branch, also condemned the protest, alleging harassment and intimidation of judicial officers by individuals they described as APC-affiliated council chairmen. In a statement signed by Chairman Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, the union characterized the situation as “a direct assault on the independence and sanctity of the third arm of government.” JUSUN further cautioned against public commentary on matters currently before the court, noting that such actions could violate legal principles and disrupt the administration of justice. This dispute underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the administration of local government funds in Osun State and raises important questions about judicial independence and the appropriate channels for resolving legal disagreements.
Comments are closed for this story.