Drama unfolded at the Akure Magistrate Court on Wednesday as a Chief Magistrate ordered the arrest of the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Bosede Osamaye, over an alleged assault and threat on a fellow magistrate.
The court action followed a criminal complaint filed by Mrs Temitope Alphonso, a 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.
According to court documents, Alphonso alleged that Osamaye stormed a meeting she was holding with the Permanent Secretary of the ministry and angrily confronted her over a court order that reportedly did not favour the commissioner in a child-related case.
The complainant told the court that the commissioner allegedly rained curses on her in the presence of ministry staff, described her as “a mere magistrate,” and claimed that even the Chief Judge of Ondo State could not challenge her authority.
Alphonso further alleged that the commissioner issued threats to her life, boasting that she had the power to make her “go missing,” and that neither the Governor nor the Chief Judge would be able to save her.
She said the situation escalated to the point where the commissioner allegedly attempted to physically assault her, forcing her to abandon the meeting out of fear for her safety.
The offence was said to be contrary to Section 133(4) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Laws of Ondo State, which deals with obstruction of justice and assault on judicial officers.
The commissioner is facing a criminal complaint filed by Mrs Temitope Alphonso, a Chief Magistrate Grade I, who alleged that Osamaye verbally abused, threatened, and attempted to assault her during an official visit to the Ministry of Women Affairs on December 24, 2025.
At the court sitting, counsel to the defendant tendered a medical report and requested an adjournment, claiming that the commissioner was ill and receiving treatment.
However, counsel to the complainant opposed the application, urging the court to reject the medical report on the grounds that it was not germane to the matter.
He cited Sections 119, 121, and 123 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, arguing that the report did not justify the defendant’s failure to honour the court’s summons.
The presiding magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, thereafter stood down the matter for one hour, directing that the commissioner should be produced in court if she was indeed capable of attending.
When the case was recalled, the commissioner was still absent. The magistrate again stood down the matter for an additional 30 minutes, giving the defendant another opportunity to appear.
Despite the extended wait, Osamaye failed to present herself before the court.
In his ruling, the magistrate noted that the commissioner had allegedly attended a public event in Idanre a day earlier, casting doubt on her claim of ill health.
The court consequently rejected the medical excuse and ordered the arrest of the commissioner, declaring her wanted.
The case was thereafter adjourned till January 12, 2026, for further hearing.
