OSOGBO: Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence that occurred at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on August 24, 2026.
The panel, headed by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the violence, determine the identities and number of victims, establish the immediate and remote causes of the incident and examine whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths.
The Executive Order takes effect on August 31.
It also directs the panel to examine the role played by security operatives and determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used during the incident and whether such use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
The state government disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, the panel is mandated to establish the circumstances surrounding the shootings and killings and determine whether the actions of security personnel complied with applicable laws and standards.
The inquiry will also examine whether the actions or omissions of individuals or groups contributed to the violence.
The panel has been empowered to identify any individual, group, security operative, political actor, transport union member, public official or other person whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the incident.
The inquiry may recommend the prosecution of persons found culpable, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.
The panel will also have extensive powers to gather evidence and compel witnesses to appear before it.
It can summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene and other locations connected to the incident, receive oral and documentary evidence and recommend protective measures for witnesses and others who may face intimidation or retaliation.
Governor Adeleke has also directed that evidence relevant to the investigation be preserved.
The materials listed for preservation include firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other relevant documents or materials.
The Executive Order further provides for the protection of witnesses and families of those killed, while requiring the government to obtain medical and forensic documentation and maintain peace in Ikire throughout the inquiry.
As part of the arrangements for the investigation, the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have been formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence.
The request is intended to safeguard the credibility of the investigation while the panel conducts its work.
Magistrate Shiyanbola will chair the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary.
Other members include AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni (retd.); 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 as the medical and forensic representative.
The panel is expected to begin sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the Osun State Government within 30 days from the date of its first sitting.
An extension may be granted where necessary, subject to the governor’s approval.
The state government has invited victims’ families, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other concerned persons to submit memoranda and evidence to the panel.
Adeleke assured residents of Ikire, families of the deceased, injured persons and the wider public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
He also said anyone found culpable would not be shielded because of their position, influence or political connections.
The government, however, stressed that allegations against any individual must be established through credible evidence before the panel.
It said all allegations would remain allegations until proven by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry.
