Arsonists raze Ilesa Court as Governor Adeleke orders investigation

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Suspected arsonists in the early hours of Monday set ablaze the Ilesa High Court 2 building, resulting in the structure being largely burnt to the ground.

Reports indicated that sensitive court files and exhibits were also destroyed in the fire.

It was further learnt that the state fire service was mobilised to the scene, but the damage had already been done by the time of their arrival.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the act, describing it as “an unjustifiable attack on the state judiciary.”

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and directed enhanced security across all court premises in the state.

The Governor said, “A thorough investigation must be conducted by the security agencies to apprehend the suspects and ensure they face the consequences of their actions. I further direct security agencies to beef up surveillance across the various court buildings.”

“Additionally, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice is to collaborate with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the immediate rehabilitation of the burnt-down building,” the statement added.

Describing the attack as a threat to democracy, Governor Adeleke emphasized that the judiciary remains the stabilizer and a critical arbiter of the democratic process, urging the public to support, rather than attack, the judiciary.