Adeleke Moves to Unravel Osun Killings, Sets Up Inquiry Panel

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has constituted a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry to investigate the killings, shootings, injuries and violence recorded in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.

The violence took place at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area on August 24, 2026.

The Executive Order establishing the panel takes effect Aug. 31. It asks it to discover the cause of the event, to ascertain the number and identity of victims and to investigate whether any person or group is responsible for the deaths.

The panel will be chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, with Mr Abiodun Badiora as secretary.

The state government announced the development in a statement released Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

The panel will also examine the role of security operatives in the incident, including the use of live ammunition or other weapons, and whether their use was consistent with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.

“The panel has been tasked to find out the circumstances that led to the shootings and killings, look at the role of security operatives, determine if live ammunition or other weapons were used and if their use was in conformity with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards,” the statement said.

It will investigate whether the actions or omissions of individuals or groups contributed to the violence and identify anyone whose conduct may have been a factor.

The statement also said: “It is also empowered to identify any individual, group, security personnel, political actor, transport union member, public official or other person whose action or omission may have contributed to the incident.”

The panel can recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation to victims and institutional reform to stop it happening again.

“The panel may also suggest prosecution, disciplinary measures, victims’ compensation and institutional reforms to prevent recurrence,” the government said.

It will have powers to summon witnesses, ask for police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant places and receive oral and documentary evidence.

The statement said the inquiry will be empowered to summon witnesses, require relevant police and medical records, examine the scene of the incident and other relevant sites, receive oral and documentary evidence and recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation.

Adeleke also directed that all evidence relating to the incident be preserved including firearms, records of ammunition, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs and videos.

“Governor Adeleke also ordered the keeping of firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other materials relevant to the inquiry,” the statement said.

The government would also take steps to protect the witnesses and families of victims, secure medical and forensic documentation and ensure peace in Ikire during the inquiry.

It said: “The Executive Order also directs that appropriate steps should be taken to protect witnesses and families of victims, get medical and forensic documentation and maintain peace in Ikire until the conclusion of the inquiry.”

The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have been directed to take interim administrative measures pertaining to any police officer whose continued operational command may affect the investigation or public confidence.

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“The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police are hereby formally invited to take appropriate interim administrative measures on any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence,” the statement said.

Other panel members are retired AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni, Mr Dele Akintayo, representative of the Nigerian Bar Association, Comrade Wale Balogun representing civil society organizations, a community representative from Ikire and Dr Babatunde Afolabi as the Medical/Forensic Representative.

The panel is expected to start sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report within 30 days of its first sitting. The governor may allow an extension where necessary.

The government has invited the families of victims, eye-witnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organizations, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other concerned persons to submit memorandum and evidence.

“The government has invited the families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organizations, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other concerned persons to present memoranda and evidence to the panel,” the statement said.

Adeleke assured the people of Ikire, the relatives of the slain, the injured and the general public that the probe would be thorough, fair and transparent.

The statement said: “The Governor assured the people of Ikire, families of the deceased, the injured and the general public that the incident would be thoroughly, fairly and transparently investigated.

He added that anyone found guilty will be brought to justice regardless of their position, influence or political connections.

“No person found culpable shall be shielded from justice regardless of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation,” the statement said.

But the government emphasized that allegations made against any individual must be supported by credible evidence before the inquiry can make any conclusions.