Osun Killings: Adeleke Issues Executive Order, Sets Up Judicial Panel

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.

The inquiry, established through an Executive Order effective August 31, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the August 24 incident and determine the number and identities of those killed or injured.

The panel, chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, is also expected to establish both the immediate and underlying causes of the violence and determine whether any criminal responsibility is linked to the deaths.

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

A major part of the inquiry will focus on the involvement of security personnel. The panel will examine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and determine whether their deployment complied with existing laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.

It will also investigate the actions or omissions of individuals and groups that may have contributed to the violence, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials and other persons connected to the incident.

Beyond establishing what happened, the panel has been empowered to recommend appropriate action where wrongdoing is established. Possible recommendations include criminal prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.

The inquiry will have broad investigative powers, including the authority to summon witnesses, request police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant locations, and receive oral and documentary evidence.

Measures may also be recommended to protect witnesses and individuals who could face intimidation or retaliation for participating in the inquiry.

Governor Adeleke has directed that all potentially relevant evidence be preserved. Such materials include firearms, ammunition records, police station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical and autopsy records, photographs, videos and other documents that could help establish the sequence of events.

The Executive Order further requires appropriate measures to protect witnesses and families of those killed, secure medical and forensic documentation and maintain peace in Ikire while the inquiry is ongoing.

As part of the interim measures, the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have been asked to consider appropriate administrative action involving any police officer whose continued operational command could compromise the investigation or undermine public confidence in the process.

Magistrate Shiyanbola will serve as chairman, while Abiodun Badiora will act as secretary.

Other members of the panel include retired AIG Dr Aderanti C. Kayode, mni; 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, who will serve as the medical and forensic representative.

The panel is expected to begin its proceedings within seven days of inauguration and submit its final report to the Osun State Government within 30 days of its first sitting. The governor may approve an extension where necessary.

The state government has also called on members of the public with relevant information to assist the inquiry.

Families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society groups, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other stakeholders are being encouraged to submit memoranda and supporting evidence.

Adeleke assured residents of Ikire, relatives of those who died, the injured and the wider public that the inquiry would be conducted fairly and transparently.

The governor also pledged that anyone found responsible would face appropriate consequences, regardless of political influence, official position or institutional affiliation.

The government, however, stressed that allegations against any person would remain allegations until established by credible evidence before the panel.

“No person found culpable shall be shielded from justice, irrespective of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation,” the government said.