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 happened at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area on August 24, 2026.
The Executive Order creating the panel goes into effect August 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, while Mr Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary.
The state government announced the development in a statement released Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
The panel will also look at 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 examine whether the actions or omissions of individuals or groups contributed to the violence and identify anyone whose conduct may have played a part.
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 recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent recurrence,” the government said.
It will have powers to summon witnesses, demand police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant locations and receive oral and documentary evidence.
The statement said that the inquiry will have the power 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.
Adeleke has also ordered the preservation of evidence relating to the incident, including firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs and videos.
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“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 further directs that appropriate measures be taken to protect witnesses and the families of victims, obtain 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.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police are hereby 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 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. Where necessary, the governor may allow an extension.
The government has invited victims’ families, 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 victims’ families, 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 investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently.”
He also said that anyone found culpable will face justice no matter 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.
However, the government stressed that any allegations made against an individual must be supported by credible evidence before the inquiry can reach any conclusions.
