The Osun State Commission of Inquiry on Disturbance of Public Peace has received 10 petitions arising from disputes in different parts of the state.
The commission disclosed this on Monday during its inaugural sitting at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, located within the state secretariat in Abere.
The petitions reportedly concern chieftaincy issues, land disputes and other disagreements considered capable of threatening public peace.
The inaugural session was attended by petitioners, respondents, legal representatives and other stakeholders.
The chairman of the commission, Justice Adekunle Adeigbe (retd.), assured all parties that the proceedings would be conducted fairly and in line with due process.
Adeigbe said, “Our responsibility is to thoroughly investigate the issues presented and subsequently transmit our report and recommendations to the Osun State Executive Council for consideration and appropriate action.”
He clarified that the commission would not determine the final outcome of the disputes, stressing that its role was to investigate the issues and make recommendations to the state government.
The chairman urged petitioners and respondents to have confidence in the process, assuring them that all parties would be given equal opportunity to present their cases.
He also appealed to stakeholders to allow the commission to carry out its assignment without interference.
The commission’s secretary, Philips Afolayan, had earlier invited members of the public, particularly lawyers and parties who had submitted memoranda, rejoinders and replies, to participate in the inaugural proceedings.
The commission was established by Governor Ademola Adeleke to investigate disputes and incidents contributing to disturbances of public peace across Osun State, amid concerns over recurring violence, killings and threats to communal harmony.
At its inauguration, Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, charged the members to discharge their duties with courage, impartiality and integrity.
The governor urged the commission to base its conclusions on evidence and operate strictly within the law.
He also advised members to treat all parties fairly, avoid favouritism and ensure that their recommendations were guided by the facts presented before them.
