Daud Olatunji
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence that occurred at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of the state.
A Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry established by an executive order issued by the governor will investigate the August 24, 2026 incident and determine what led to the violence, the identities and number of victims and whether criminal responsibility was connected to the deaths.
The order takes effect on August 31, with Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola appointed chairman and Abiodun Badiora as secretary.
Other members of the panel are retired AIG Aderanti Kayode; Dele Akintayo, representing the Nigerian Bar Association; Wale Balogun, representing civil society organisations; a representative of the Ikire community; and Babatunde Afolabi, a medical and forensic expert.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the panel has been mandated to establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence and determine whether any individual or group bears responsibility for the deaths and injuries.
The panel will also investigate the role of security personnel during the incident, including whether live ammunition or other weapons were deployed and whether their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
It will have powers to identify any individual, group, security operative, political actor, transport union member, public official or other person whose action or omission may have contributed to the violence.
The panel may recommend prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence.
The governor also directed the preservation of critical evidence, including firearms and ammunition records, police station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs and video recordings.
The panel is empowered to summon witnesses, demand police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant locations and receive both oral and documentary evidence.
It may also recommend measures to protect witnesses, victims’ families and other persons who may face intimidation or retaliation.
The governor further requested the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to consider appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could prejudice the inquiry or undermine public confidence in the process.
Adeleke directed that the panel should commence sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its report within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
The government has invited victims’ relatives, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other interested persons to submit memoranda and relevant evidence to the panel.
Adeleke assured the people of Ikire, families of those killed, the injured and the wider public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
He said nobody found culpable would be shielded from justice, regardless of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation.
The government, however, cautioned that allegations arising from the incident remain allegations until established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel..
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