Nigerian Eye
Gov Adeleke Sets up Panel to Investigate Ikire Killings, Violence
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry to probe the killings, shootings, injuries and violence that occurred at the Naira and Kobo Junction Motor Park/Garage Area in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.The order, announced in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson Olawale Rasheed on Saturday, takes effect from Monday, August 31, 2026.Violence erupted in Ikire on Monday, August 24, 2026, during an attempted takeover of the motor park by a group of thugs. Police reported that two people died and three officers were injured in the incident.The panel is mandated to investigate the circumstances of the incident, establish the identities and number of victims, determine the immediate and remote causes of the violence, and examine whether criminal responsibility is linked to the deaths.Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed chairman, with Abiodun Badiora as secretary. Other members include retired AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, Mr Dele Akintayo, and representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and the Ikire community. Dr Babatunde Afolabi will serve as the medical/forensic representative.The inquiry will examine the role of security operatives, whether live ammunition or other weapons were used, and if their use complied with applicable laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards. It is also empowered to identify any individuals, groups, security personnel, political actors, transport union members or public officials whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the violence, and to recommend prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent recurrence.The panel can summon witnesses, request police and medical records, inspect the scene, receive oral and documentary evidence, and recommend protective measures for witnesses. The governor directed the preservation of relevant materials, including firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs and videos.The Executive Order further requested the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to take interim administrative steps regarding any officers whose actions could prejudice the inquiry or undermine public confidence.The panel is expected to begin sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the state government within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.Victims’ families, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society groups, political parties, community leaders and human rights activists have been invited to submit memoranda and evidence.Governor Adeleke assured the people of Ikire and the families of the deceased and injured that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently, stating that no one found culpable would be shielded from justice regardless of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation.
3 hours ago
