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A protest at the Osun State High Court in Osogbo on Wednesday over local government funds has drawn sharp reactions from civil society groups and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, with differing views emerging on the legitimacy and implications of the action.
The demonstrators, comprising individuals identified with reinstated local government chairmen under the All Progressives Congress, APC, marched from the Government House to the court premises, raising concerns over ongoing legal proceedings linked to the disputed funds.
The protest followed a legal tussle in which a Magistrate Court issued a bench warrant for the arrest of executives of United Bank for Africa in a suit filed by the Osun State Government.
The government had alleged that the bank released funds to the reinstated APC local government chairmen, a claim that has become central to the dispute.
Earlier, the Osun State High Court, presided over by Justice Matthias Agboola in Suit No. HOS/M4/2026, granted an ex parte motion quashing the criminal proceedings against the bank and its staff at the Magistrate Court.
Despite the High Court’s decision, proceedings reportedly continued before the Magistrate Court presided over by A.A. Adeyeba, prompting objections from the reinstated council officials.
The protesters, who assembled at the Lameco area of Osogbo, carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Say no to disobedience to court order and judgment” and “Rule of law above other interests.”
Security personnel, including police operatives, were deployed to maintain order as the protest unfolded around the court complex.
Speaking for the demonstrators, Maaroof Ogundipe warned that the continued hearing of the case at the Magistrate Court despite rulings from higher courts could escalate tensions.
“It is worrisome when the court is seen to be undermining the rule of law. We may petition the National Judicial Council over the matter,” he said.
However, the Osun Grassroots Watch criticised the protest, describing it as misplaced and unnecessary and questioning the involvement of the council chairmen in a matter it said primarily concerned a commercial bank and relevant authorities.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Yemisi Adetona, the group said, “The ALGON chairmen are not parties in the case. Their sudden interest raises questions about their stake in the matter.”
The group further cautioned against actions that could be perceived as attempts to pressure the judiciary, noting that “judges and magistrates must be allowed to do their work without noise, threats, or political grandstanding.”
It added that “grievances arising from court decisions should be addressed through established legal channels. Taking to the streets is not a substitute for due process.”
Meanwhile, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Osun State branch, condemned the protest, alleging harassment and intimidation of judicial officers by individuals it described as APC-affiliated council chairmen.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Idris Adedayo Adeniran, the union described the development as “a direct assault on the independence and sanctity of the third arm of government.”
JUSUN also criticised the public commentary on a matter before the court, warning that such actions could violate legal principles and interfere with the administration of justice.
