Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has condemned the arson attack on the Ilesa High Court 2 building, describing it as an unjustifiable assault on the state’s judiciary and a direct threat to democracy. The governor has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and directed security agencies to apprehend those responsible.
The court building was set ablaze on Sunday night, resulting in the destruction of sensitive court documents, exhibits, and significant structural damage. Reports indicate that by the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the damage had already been done, with files related to high-profile cases among those lost in the fire.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke stressed the need for urgent action, stating that the perpetrators must be brought to justice. He also instructed security agencies to tighten surveillance around all court premises across the state to prevent future occurrences.
Adeleke further directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to collaborate with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the immediate rehabilitation of the damaged court building.
The governor described the attack as not only a criminal act but a serious challenge to the rule of law. He reiterated the importance of safeguarding the judiciary, which he said remains a cornerstone of democracy, and called on citizens and stakeholders to support efforts in protecting judicial institutions from similar threats.