Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
An Akure Magistrate Court sitting in the Ondo State capital has struck out an assault charge filed against the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, following an out-of-court settlement between the parties involved.
The case stemmed from allegations that the commissioner assaulted Chief Magistrate Mrs. Temitope Alphonso during an incident said to have occurred in the presence of staff at the Ministry of Women Affairs. The dispute reportedly arose over issues relating to the custody of a vulnerable child, though detailed circumstances surrounding the confrontation were not extensively canvassed in open court.
When the matter came up for hearing, counsel to the prosecution, Barrister A.V. Ajayi, informed the court that both the complainant and the defendant had reached an agreement to resolve the dispute amicably. He consequently urged the court to allow the withdrawal of the charge and strike out the case.
Counsel to the defendant, Barrister A.K. Adewusi, aligned with the prosecution’s position and appealed to the court to grant the application, citing the mutual understanding reached by the parties.
In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, struck out the charge on the basis of the reported settlement. The court held that, given the agreement between the complainant and the defendant, there was no further basis for continuing the proceedings.
The case had initially attracted attention in legal and political circles in Ondo State when, on December 30, 2025, Dr. Osamaye was arraigned before the magistrate court over the alleged assault. The development was viewed as unusual given the senior public offices held by both individuals involved in the dispute.
Observers note that assault charges at the magistrate court level can, in certain circumstances, be withdrawn where the complainant consents and the prosecution exercises its discretion to discontinue proceedings. However, legal practitioners emphasize that such withdrawals are subject to judicial approval, particularly where public interest considerations arise.
The resolution of the matter through settlement underscores the availability of alternative dispute mechanisms within Nigeria’s criminal justice framework, especially in cases categorized as minor offences. Nonetheless, analysts point out that cases involving public officials and members of the judiciary can carry broader implications for institutional relationships and public perception.
Neither Dr. Osamaye nor Mrs. Alphonso made public statements in court following the ruling. Details of the settlement agreement were not disclosed during proceedings.
The Ondo State Government has not issued an official statement regarding the outcome of the case. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development continues to function under the commissioner’s leadership.
With the court’s decision to strike out the charge, the legal proceedings against Dr. Osamaye have formally concluded at the magistrate level, unless any fresh complaint or action is initiated. For now, the matter stands resolved through mutual agreement between the parties.
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