Drama unfolded at the Akure Magistrate Court on Wednesday when Chief Magistrate Damilola Sekoni ordered the arrest of Dr. Bosede Osamaye, the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, over allegations of assault and threats directed at a fellow magistrate.
The court action stemmed from a criminal complaint filed by Mrs. Temitope Alphonso, Chief Magistrate Grade I, who accused the commissioner of verbally abusing, threatening, and attempting to physically assault her during an official visit to the Ministry of Women Affairs on December 24, 2025.
Court documents revealed that Alphonso alleged Osamaye interrupted a meeting she was conducting with the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, confronting her angrily over a court order that did not favor the commissioner in a child-related case. The complainant asserted that Osamaye publicly hurled insults, labeling her “a mere magistrate” and asserting that even the Chief Judge of Ondo State could not challenge her authority.
Furthermore, Alphonso alleged that the commissioner threatened her life, claiming she had the power to make her “go missing,” and warned that neither the Governor nor the Chief Judge could intervene on her behalf. The situation escalated to the point where Osamaye allegedly attempted to physically assault Alphonso, prompting the magistrate to flee the meeting out of concern for her safety.
These actions are said to violate Section 133(4) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Laws of Ondo State, which addresses obstruction of justice and assault against judicial officers.
During the court proceedings, the defense counsel submitted a medical report and requested an adjournment, asserting that the commissioner was ill and undergoing treatment. However, the complainant’s counsel opposed this application, arguing that the medical report was irrelevant to the case. He cited Sections 119, 121, and 123 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, contending that the report did not justify the defendant’s failure to appear before the court.
The presiding magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, stood down the matter for one hour and instructed that the commissioner be produced in court if she was indeed able to attend. When the case was recalled, Osamaye remained absent, prompting the magistrate to grant an additional 30 minutes for her appearance.
Despite the extended waiting period, the commissioner did not present herself. Notably, the magistrate observed that Osamaye had attended a public event in Idanre the previous day, casting doubt on her claims of ill health.
As a result, the court rejected the medical excuse and ordered the arrest of the commissioner, declaring her wanted. The case has been adjourned until January 12, 2026, for further proceedings.
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