Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a formal investigation into the killings and violence that rocked Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area on August 24, 2026.
Adeleke issued an executive order establishing a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry to investigate the shootings, deaths, injuries and other acts of violence reported around Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area.
The order takes effect on August 31 and mandates the panel to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify the victims and determine the immediate and remote causes of the violence.
Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola will chair the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Aderanti Kayode, Nigerian Bar Association representative Dele Akintayo, civil society representative Wale Balogun, a community representative from Ikire and medical/forensic expert Babatunde Afolabi.
The panel will also investigate the role played by security operatives, including whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their deployment complied with relevant laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
It has been empowered to identify individuals or groups whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the violence, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials and other persons connected to the incident.
The inquiry may recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms where necessary.
As part of its mandate, the panel can summon witnesses, demand police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident, receive documentary and oral evidence, and recommend measures to protect witnesses and individuals at risk of intimidation or retaliation.
The governor also directed relevant authorities to preserve firearms and ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other evidence that could assist the investigation.
Adeleke further requested the inspector-general of police, the Police Service Commission and Osun State commissioner of police to consider interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could compromise the inquiry or undermine public confidence.
The panel is expected to begin sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
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Victims’ families, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders and human rights activists have been invited to submit evidence or memoranda to the panel.
Adeleke assured the people of Ikire and the families of those affected that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
The executive order stressed that anyone found culpable would not be shielded from justice, regardless of their political connections, position, office or institutional affiliation.
However, the government noted that all allegations remain allegations until established through credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel.
