Osun State Government has commenced renovation efforts at the Ilesa High Court following a suspected arson attack that razed Court Room 2.
The Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, gave this assurance on Tuesday while inspecting the damaged structure.
Jimi-Bada gave the assurance in the company of Dosu Babatunde, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during a visit to the Ilesa Court premises.
He said, “It is more than barbaric, but anyway, justice will catch up with such persons very soon. It is a matter of time.”
He confirmed that the renovation of the court would commence without delay and highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security at the location.
“We will start renovation work almost immediately. We cannot abandon the court as the judge cannot sit,”; he added.
Jimi-Bada recalled previous incidents at the Ilesa court, stating that this was not the first time the premises had been targeted.
He also emphasised the need to secure the court complex.
“They attacked former Court Two in 2017 and burnt it also. Last year, electric cables were carted away. All this nonsense had to stop.”
The commissioner explained that engineers from the Ministry of Works had been invited to assess the damage and prepare for comprehensive repairs as quick action in the repair was necessary.
“We will try to see what we can do with our 2025 budget. We need not wait for the judiciary to bring a memo. If we are waiting, no memo will be brought. That is why we brought engineers already,”; he said.
The razing of the High Court building overnight on Monday had earlier drawn condemnation from Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the All Progressives Congress and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN.
Adeleke has reportedly ordered a full investigation into the matter, directing security agencies to track down those behind the incident and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The state government reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring that court operations resume without further delay.
Also, the Osun State Police Command through its spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the incident and assured that investigations has connected to unravel the circumstances behind it.
