CALL FOR AMICABLE RESOLUTION BETWEEN COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS AND THE JUDICIARY
The Upline Centre for Development, a Civil Society Organization in Ondo State, addresses the legal situation involving Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Seun Osamaye, and Chief Magistrate Temitope Alphonso.
We respect the judiciary’s independence and the need to protect judicial officers’ dignity. Equally, we recognize the executive’s role in serving vulnerable citizens through dedicated public servants.
Since March 2025, Commissioner Osamaye’s ministry has achieved 59 major milestones including: empowering 10,000+ girl children; supporting 1,000 low-income women, 500 farmers, 400 widows, and 200 merchants; providing free medical care to 3,000+ elderly persons; and rehabilitating abandoned children and persons with disabilities. This record demonstrates deep commitment to Ondo State’s most vulnerable.
Our Position
After preliminary findings, we believe this matter requires deeper investigation. While respecting judicial processes, we note that:
• Full context is essential – What led to the incident? What was the prior judgment about? What happened during the magistrate visit?
• Both accounts must be heard – Fair justice requires the Commissioner’s full testimony be given equal weight
• Character matters – Years of service to vulnerable populations warrant thorough, fair investigation
• Proportionality is necessary – Consequences should match established facts, not preliminary allegations
• Service must continue – Thousands depending on ministry programs should not suffer
Our Appeal
We call on His Excellency Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently ensure the Commissioner receives fair hearing, facilitate dialogue, and protect critical social programs while balancing justice.
We call on the Judiciary to ensure all parties present full accounts, consider whether complete context has been established, and explore alternative dispute resolution.
We call on both parties to embrace dialogue, recognize their shared service to the people, and consider reconciliation.
Conclusion
This affects thousands of vulnerable citizens who depend on functioning government services. A dedicated public servant with a proven track record should not be destroyed based on incomplete narratives, just as judicial dignity must be upheld. Both objectives serve justice.
A righteous person must not die as a criminal when the full truth has not been told. We call for justice thorough, fair, and complete.
We remain available to support reconciliation efforts.
Alo Martins
Executive Director
Upline Centre for Development
Ondo State, Nigeria
