A civil society organisation, the Upline Centre for Development, has called for an amicable resolution of the legal dispute involving the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Seun Osamaye, and a Chief Magistrate, Temitope Alphonso, urging dialogue, fairness and restraint by all parties.
In a statement issued in Akure on Friday and signed by its Executive Director, Alo Martins, the group appealed to the state government and the judiciary to handle the matter in a way that upholds the rule of law while protecting public interest and ongoing social programmes for vulnerable residents.
The organisation said it respects the independence of the judiciary and the sanctity of due process, noting that the dignity of judicial officers must be preserved in a democratic system.
It also acknowledged the role of the executive arm, particularly public officials tasked with delivering social services to women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Upline Centre for Development highlighted what it described as the commissioner’s record of service since March 2025, stating that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development had recorded 59 major milestones under Osamaye’s leadership.
According to the group, the achievements include the empowerment of more than 10,000 girl children through digital literacy and menstrual health initiatives, direct support for thousands of low-income women, farmers, widows and traders, free medical outreach for over 3,000 elderly and vulnerable persons, and rehabilitation programmes for abandoned children and persons with disabilities.
The organisation said its preliminary assessment of the dispute showed the need for deeper clarification of the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, stressing that justice can only be served when the full context is established and both parties are given equal opportunity to present their accounts.
While insisting that no one is above the law, the group urged that responses to the matter should be proportionate and based on verified facts rather than preliminary allegations.
It warned that a prolonged conflict could disrupt critical social programmes and negatively affect thousands of beneficiaries across the state.
The civil society body called on Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to intervene through appropriate channels to ensure fair hearing, facilitate dialogue among stakeholders and safeguard the continuity of social intervention programmes.
It also appealed to the judiciary to ensure a balanced process and to consider alternative dispute resolution mechanisms where appropriate.
Upline Centre for Development further urged both parties to embrace dialogue and reconciliation in the broader interest of the public, adding that public servants and judicial officers ultimately serve the same people.
The organisation said the dispute goes beyond individuals or institutions, as it has implications for vulnerable citizens who depend on government services.
It called for a resolution that establishes the truth through due process, preserves the integrity of the judiciary and executive, and prevents personal disagreements from undermining effective public service.
The group expressed confidence in the capacity of Ondo State leadership to resolve the issue justly, urging swift and balanced action that prioritises truth, fairness and the welfare of the people.