Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, on August 24, 2026.
The panel, chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, is mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the identities and number of victims, establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence, and examine whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths.
The Executive Order, which takes effect on August 31, also directs the panel to investigate the role of security operatives and determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used, and whether their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, the panel will also examine whether the actions or omissions of individuals or groups contributed to the violence.
It is empowered to identify any individual, group, security personnel, political actor, transport union member, public official or other person whose conduct may have contributed to the incident.
The panel may recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.
Powers of Inquiry
The panel has broad powers to gather evidence and compel witnesses to participate in the inquiry.
It can summon witnesses, request 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 at risk of intimidation or retaliation.
Adeleke also directed the preservation of all evidence that could help establish what happened during the violence.
Such materials 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, the collection of medical and forensic documentation, and measures to maintain peace in Ikire while the inquiry is ongoing.
The governor has also formally requested the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could prejudice the inquiry or undermine public confidence in the process.
Panel Membership
Magistrate Shiyanbola will serve as chairman, while Mr. Abiodun Badiora will be the secretary.
Other members of the panel are AIG (Dr.) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni (retd.); Mr. Dele Akintayo, representing the Nigerian Bar Association; Comrade Wale Balogun, representing civil society organisations; a community representative from Ikire; and Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, the Medical/Forensic Representative.
The panel is expected to commence sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the Osun State Government within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
The 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 interested persons with relevant information to submit memoranda and evidence to the panel.
Adeleke assured residents of Ikire, the families of the deceased, the injured and the wider public that the inquiry would be conducted thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
He further stated that anyone found culpable would face justice regardless of their status, office, political connections or institutional affiliation.
However, the government stressed that allegations against individuals must be established through credible evidence before the panel before any conclusion of culpability can be reached.
The Executive Order, it said, makes clear that all allegations remain allegations until established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry.
