The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to suspend the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, for allegedly assaulting a chief magistrate.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Temitope Alphonso, had accused Osamaye of physically assaulting her.
The chief magistrate alleged that the assault occurred at the premises of the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs, Igbatoro road, Alagbaka, during an official engagement.
The commissioner is facing a charge of assault before an Akure Magistrates’ Court.
The Chairman of NBA, Akure branch, Mr Umar Onimisi, in a statement on Thursday in Akure, said such suspension would enable the commissioner to face prosecution.
Onimisi explained that the NBA was disturbed on the alleged verbal assault, intimidation and threat to the personal safety of a serving magistrate.
“It is deeply troubling that Chief Magistrate, Mrs Temitope Alphonso, reportedly became a victim of these grave attacks in the course of carrying out her official duties as Chief Magistrate.
“We, therefore, call upon all parties involved, including state officials and legal representatives, to accord the court the utmost respect and allow due process to run its full and uninterrupted course.
“However, we unequivocally condemn any act of harassment, verbal abuse or intimidation directed at judicial officers in the course of their lawful duties.
“Such conduct, if proven, represents a direct assault on the independence of the judiciary and a dangerous erosion of public confidence in the administration of justice.
“We, therefore, call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently suspend the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Seun Osamaye, to enable her face the criminal charge against her in court in the general interest of our dear state, Ondo,” he said.
The NBA Chairman also called for a thorough audit of the activities of the ministry.
“In addition, the activities of some Children’s/Orphanage Homes in the state should be investigated with a view to unravelling the underhanded dealings going on among them,” he said.
He said that the NBA remained unwavering in its commitment to the supremacy of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the protection of all officers of the court in the lawful discharge of their duties.
