Adeleke Cracks Down After Osun Killings, Sets Up Panel To Uncover Truth

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

The incident occurred on August 24, 2026, around Naira and Kobo Junction as well as the Motor Park/Garage Area in Ikire.

According to the state government, the Executive Order establishing the panel will take effect on August 31. The panel is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence, determine the number and identities of those affected and establish whether any person or group was responsible for the deaths.

Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed chairman of the panel, while Mr Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary.

The development was announced on Saturday in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

The panel has also been tasked with examining the conduct of security operatives during the incident, particularly whether live ammunition or other weapons were deployed and whether such use complied with relevant laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.

The government said the panel would “determine the circumstances leading to the shootings and killings, examine the role of security operatives, establish whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.”

It will further investigate whether the actions or inactions of individuals or groups contributed to the violence and identify persons whose conduct may have played a role in the incident.

The government said the panel is 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.”

Where necessary, the panel may recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.

It has also been granted powers to summon witnesses, request police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, as well as receive oral and documentary evidence.

The government said the panel would also be able to recommend measures to protect witnesses and individuals who may face intimidation or retaliation.

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has ordered the preservation of evidence that could assist the investigation. Such materials include firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs and video recordings.

The government is also expected to put measures in place to protect witnesses and the families of victims, obtain relevant medical and forensic documentation and maintain peace in Ikire throughout the duration of the inquiry.

The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have been asked to consider appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could potentially interfere with the investigation or undermine public confidence in the process.

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

The panel is expected to commence its proceedings within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report within 30 days of its first sitting. The governor may approve an extension if necessary.

The state government has invited families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society groups, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other interested parties to submit memoranda and relevant evidence to the panel.

Governor Adeleke assured residents of Ikire, the families of those killed, the injured and the wider public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, fairly and transparently.

He further pledged that anyone found culpable would face justice, regardless of their status, influence or political connections.

The government, however, cautioned that allegations against any individual must be established through credible evidence before the panel reaches its final conclusions.