Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for a full investigation following the fire that razed the Ilesa High Court 2 building on Sunday night, describing it as a deliberate attack on the judiciary.

The blaze, suspected to be the work of arsonists, engulfed a section of the court premises that houses three courtrooms, destroying sensitive documents and exhibits. Justice A. Aderibigbe, who presides over Court 1, and two other judges use the facility.

Reacting through a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said:

“The burning of Ilesa High Court 2 building by yet-to-be-identified criminals is an unjustifiable attack on the state judiciary.”

He lamented the loss of critical legal records, noting:

“The incident… led to the destruction of court-sensitive documents and exhibits, with the entire building largely burnt to the ground.”

While confirming the fire service was mobilised, he added that the damage had already been done before their arrival.

“Reports indicated that files relating to sensitive court cases were destroyed,” the statement said.

The governor directed security agencies to intensify surveillance at all judicial facilities and tasked the Attorney General and the Ministry of Works with beginning immediate rehabilitation of the building.

Calling the act “a threat to democracy,” Adeleke reiterated the importance of protecting the judiciary, saying it remains the “stabiliser and critical arbiter of the democratic process.”

Meanwhile, Osun Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that an investigation is underway.

“The cause of the fire has not been ascertained from the report we have. It affected the warder’s room and one other office,” he said.

Authorities are working to uncover the perpetrators behind the suspected arson.