The Osun State government has launched a comprehensive renovation of Court Room 2 at the Ilesa High Court, which was gutted by a suspected arson attack, and vowed that the perpetrators will face justice, as announced on April 22, 2025.
The fire, which caused extensive damage to judicial records and infrastructure, was described as a deliberate act to undermine the state’s legal system, prompting a manhunt for the culprits.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a statement, detailed plans to restore the court with modern facilities, including digital case management systems and enhanced security. The renovation, funded by a ₦500 million emergency allocation, aims to expedite judicial proceedings disrupted by the blaze. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was set to destroy evidence in a high-profile case, though specifics remain under wraps. The state police have deployed forensic experts and are following leads to apprehend the arsonists, with Adeleke promising severe consequences.
The incident has sparked outrage among legal practitioners, who called for stronger protections for judicial institutions. Community leaders in Ilesa have also urged calm, praising the government’s swift response. The renovated court is expected to reopen by July 2025, symbolizing Osun’s resilience against criminal sabotage.