Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry to investigate the killings, shootings and violence recorded in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of the state.
The inquiry will probe the circumstances surrounding the violence that occurred at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area in Ikire on August 24, 2026.
The state government said the panel would determine the identities and number of those killed and injured, establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence and investigate whether criminal responsibility was connected to the deaths.
The panel, which will be chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, is also expected to investigate the role played by security operatives during the incident, including whether live ammunition or other weapons were deployed in compliance with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, noting that the Executive Order would take effect from August 31.
“The panel is mandated to 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,” the statement said.
The panel is further mandated to determine whether the actions or omissions of individuals, groups or organisations contributed to the violence.
According to the government, the inquiry has been empowered to identify any individual or group, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members and public officials, whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the incident.
“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 statement added.
The panel may recommend the prosecution of persons found culpable, disciplinary measures against officials, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.
The Executive Order also gives the inquiry powers to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and receive oral and documentary evidence.
“The inquiry will have powers to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence, and recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation,” the government said.
Adeleke also ordered the preservation of evidence relevant to the investigation, including firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports and duty rosters.
Other materials to be preserved include medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other documents that could assist the panel in establishing the circumstances surrounding the violence.
“Governor Adeleke also directed the preservation 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 governor further directed that measures be taken to protect witnesses and families of victims, obtain medical and forensic documentation and maintain peace in Ikire pending the conclusion of the inquiry.
The Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the Osun State Commissioner of Police were also formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could affect the investigation or undermine public confidence.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police are formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative steps concerning any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence,” the statement added.
Mr Abiodun Badiora will serve as the secretary of the panel.
Other members include AIG Aderanti C. Kayode (retd.), Mr Dele Akintayo, a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association, Comrade Wale Balogun representing civil society organisations, a community representative from Ikire and Dr Babatunde Afolabi as the medical and forensic representative.
The panel is expected to begin sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the Osun State Government within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
The government also called on families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders and other interested persons to submit memoranda and evidence to the panel.
Adeleke assured residents of Ikire and families of those killed or injured that the inquiry would be conducted fairly and transparently.
“The Governor assured the people of Ikire, families of the deceased, the injured and the general public that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently,” the statement said.
The governor also vowed that no individual found culpable would be shielded from justice because of political influence, office or social status.
“No person found culpable shall be shielded from justice, irrespective of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation,” the Executive Order stated.
The government, however, stressed that allegations against individuals or groups would remain allegations until established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry.
