Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has come under heavy public criticism following allegations of disregard for the rule of law after his Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Seun Osamaye, was seen participating in a public event despite a subsisting court order directing her arrest.

Mrs Osamaye was photographed decorating the governor with the 2026 National Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem during a public ceremony on Wednesday, sparking widespread outrage online and within legal circles.

The controversy stems from a ruling delivered on December 31, 2025, by a Magistrate Court in Ondo State, which ordered the arrest and remand of the commissioner over allegations of assault, intimidation, and threats against a serving chief magistrate.

A legal commentator who shared photographs of the event on Facebook noted that there was no court order vacating or overturning the magistrate’s ruling.

“As at this moment, there is no indication that the ruling has been set aside,” he wrote. “Ondo State magistrates commenced an indefinite strike today, making it impossible for any court to review or reverse the order. The directive therefore remains valid and enforceable.”

He described the commissioner’s public appearance as “embarrassing” and a “slap on the judiciary,” adding that it was particularly troubling because the governor—constitutionally expected to uphold the rule of law—was the direct beneficiary of the ceremony.

Another source criticised the governor’s conduct, saying it reflected a deep disregard for the judiciary.

“How can a governor allow an appointee who is under a subsisting arrest order to publicly decorate him?” the source asked. “This shows contempt for the rule of law. Even the Attorney-General of the state should have acted responsibly to prevent this embarrassment.”

The source warned that public officials who undermine the judiciary often face lasting consequences, urging the governor to learn from past examples of officials who violated court orders while in office.

Background of the Court Order

The court order followed allegations that Mrs Osamaye verbally and physically assaulted Chief Magistrate Mrs Temitope Alphonso during an official visit by the magistrate to the Ministry of Women Affairs to see the Permanent Secretary.

According to court filings, the confrontation was allegedly triggered by a judgment earlier delivered by Magistrate Alphonso that was unfavourable to the commissioner.

An affidavit attached to the charge accused Mrs Osamaye of issuing threats, verbal abuse, and intimidation, including claims of political influence.

The affidavit alleged that the commissioner told the magistrate to “shut up,” referred to her as “a mere magistrate,” and claimed that even the Chief Judge of Ondo State could not challenge her authority.

It further alleged that she warned the magistrate to “watch her back,” threatened that she could make her “go missing,” and beat her chest while making the threats.

Court Proceedings

Mrs Osamaye was absent when the case was called. Her counsel, Mr Adewusi, told the court that she was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Ilara-Mokin and requested time to present evidence.

Presiding Magistrate Mr Damilola Sekoni granted a one-and-a-half-hour stand-down. Upon resumption, a medical report was tendered by the defence but immediately challenged by the prosecution over its authenticity.

In his ruling, Magistrate Sekoni rejected the medical report, describing it as inadequate and lacking essential details such as the date and time of admission or confirmation that the commissioner was medically unfit to attend court.

He subsequently ordered her arrest and remand, citing a clear disregard for the authority of the court. The case was adjourned to January 12 for further hearing.

NBA Reacts

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, has called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to suspend Mrs Osamaye to allow her face prosecution without interference.

In a statement, the NBA Chairman, Mr Umar Onimisi, said the association was deeply disturbed by the allegations of intimidation and threats against a serving judicial officer.

“It is alarming that Chief Magistrate Mrs Temitope Alphonso reportedly suffered these grave attacks while carrying out her lawful duties,” Onimisi said.

He warned that such conduct, if proven, constitutes a direct assault on judicial independence and undermines public confidence in the justice system.

The NBA also called for a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Women Affairs and an investigation into the activities of certain children’s and orphanage homes in the state.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to the supremacy of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the protection of judicial officers in the discharge of their duties.