Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has established a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry to investigate the killings and violence that occurred at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
The inquiry follows the shootings, deaths and injuries recorded in the area on August 24, 2026.
A statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the Executive Order establishing the panel would take effect on August 31.
The panel, chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, is expected to establish what led to the violence, identify the victims and determine the number of people killed or injured.
It will also examine whether individuals or groups, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members and public officials, played any role in the incident.
According to the state government, the panel will investigate “whether live ammunition or other weapons were used during the incident and whether their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.”
The inquiry will also determine whether any acts or failures by individuals or organisations contributed to the violence.
The government said the panel could recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms where necessary.
“The panel may recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent recurrence,” the statement said.
To facilitate the investigation, the panel has been empowered to summon witnesses, request police and medical records, inspect the locations where the incidents occurred and receive oral and documentary evidence.
The governor also directed relevant authorities to preserve materials that could assist the inquiry, including firearms, ammunition records, police station diaries, communication logs, duty rosters, incident reports, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs and video recordings.
The order further provides for measures to protect witnesses, victims’ families and others who may face intimidation or retaliation during the investigation.
Adeleke has also asked the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to consider interim administrative measures concerning police officers whose continued command roles could undermine the investigation or public confidence.
The panel’s secretary is Abiodun Badiora, while other members include retired AIG Aderanti C. Kayode, Dele Akintayo, a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association, 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 sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its report to the state government within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
The government has called on victims’ relatives, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society groups, political parties, community leaders and human rights activists with relevant information to submit memoranda or evidence to the panel.
Adeleke assured residents of Ikire and the families of those affected that the investigation would be conducted fairly and transparently.
He also stated that anyone found responsible would face justice regardless of their position or political influence.
“The Executive Order states that no person found culpable shall be shielded from justice, irrespective of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation,” the government said.
The state, however, stressed that allegations against individuals would have to be established through credible evidence before any person could be held responsible.
