A former Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, has commended the state’s judiciary for reaffirming its commitment to justice through the conviction and life imprisonment of a man found guilty of raping a minor.
Adeleye, in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, described the judgment as a significant milestone in the fight against sexual and gender based violence, saying it reinforces public confidence in the judicial system and offers renewed hope to survivors seeking justice.
She said the verdict sends a strong message that the courts remain committed to protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that perpetrators of sexual offences face the full weight of the law.
“The judgment is a reassuring demonstration that the courts remain the ultimate sanctuary for victims seeking redress and a critical pillar in the protection of vulnerable members of society,” she said.
According to her, the decision should encourage survivors of gender based violence and their families not to lose faith in the judicial process.
“This judgment also sends a bold message that survivors of gender based violence and their families should not lose faith in the judicial process. They should remain confident that the state judiciary will continue to ensure that those who disregard the law receive commensurate punishment for their crimes,” Adeleye added.
The former commissioner also acknowledged the contributions of the Ogun State Sexual Assault Referral Centre, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, social workers and child protection advocates whose collaborative efforts, she noted, were instrumental in securing justice for the survivor.
Her reaction followed the conviction of Emmanuel Obirija by the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu Ode for unlawfully having sexual intercourse with a minor.
Justice Catherine Ogunsanya, who delivered the judgment on June 18, 2026, sentenced the defendant to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of the offence.
Adeleye disclosed that the case was first reported to the Ogun State Sexual Assault Referral Centre at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, on December 2, 2022.
She further commended all institutions involved in the prosecution, stressing that sustained collaboration among relevant stakeholders remains essential to combating sexual and gender based violence and guaranteeing justice for victims.
