Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Monday condemned the burning of the Ilesa High Court 2 building by yet to be identified hoodlums, describing the arson as “an unjustifiable attack on the state judiciary.”

Findings indicated that the incident, which occurred overnight, led to the destruction of court-sensitive documents and exhibits, with the entire building largely razed.

Though the state fire service was mobilised to the scene but the havoc had already been wrecked by the time of their arrival. Reports indicated that files relating to sensitive court cases were destroyed.

However, a press statement by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed, quoted the governor to have condemned the incident, just as he ordered a thorough investigation as well as beefing up security across all court premises in the state.

“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,” Rasheed said.

“Additionally, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice are to join hands with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the immediate rehabilitation of the burnt-down building.”

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