The Centre for Gender Advocacy and Women Development has waded into the recent controversy involving the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, and Chief Magistrate Temitope Alphonso, calling for calm, restraint, and respect for due process.
In a press statement issued at the weekend and signed by Dr Mabel Ademiloye, the women advocacy group acknowledged the growing public attention surrounding the matter, noting that while the issues at the heart of the controversy are now before relevant authorities, they should be addressed with maturity, balance, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
According to the Centre, the controversy is rooted in a recent incident that has generated differing narratives and heightened emotions within political and judicial circles in the state. The group emphasized that it is neither the place of the public nor interest groups to pre-empt legal processes, stressing that justice is best served when institutions are allowed to function without undue pressure or external influence.
“As a women advocacy organization, we have tremendous respect for the judiciary and unwavering belief in the sanctity of the rule of law,” the statement read. “However, we are also not unaware of persistent attempts by some individuals, including those within the Ministry of Women Affairs, to persecute the Honourable Commissioner. It is our considered view that the recent development is being exploited by such persons to mount pressure on the state judiciary, with the intention of victimizing her.”
The Centre further described Dr. Seun Osamaye as a public servant with a long-standing history of humility and respect for constituted authority, dating back to her days in students’ activism and progressive politics. It noted that her conduct over the years has reflected discipline, tolerance, and commitment to democratic values, qualities that should not be overlooked in the assessment of current events.
While reaffirming its confidence in the Ondo State judiciary to act independently and fairly, the group appealed to all parties and their supporters to refrain from actions or statements that could inflame tensions or undermine public trust in state institutions.
The Centre also called on the Governor of Ondo State to intervene and play a fatherly, conciliatory role in resolving the matter amicably.
“We respectfully urge Mr. Governor to step in, in the interest of peace and stability, to ensure that this situation does not degenerate into one that may be exploited to victimize women in Ondo State politics,” the statement added. “Women who choose to participate in governance must be protected from political persecution and institutional intimidation.”
The group concluded by reiterating its commitment to the protection of women’s rights, fairness in governance, and the promotion of peaceful conflict resolution, urging all stakeholders to place the collective interest of Ondo State above personal or political considerations.