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, headed by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the identities and number of victims and establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence.
The inquiry will also examine whether any individual bears criminal responsibility for the deaths and investigate the roles played by security operatives during the incident.
The Executive Order, which takes effect on August 31, mandates the panel to 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 state government disclosed this in a statement on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
The panel will investigate whether the actions or omissions of individuals or groups contributed to the violence and identify any security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials or other persons whose conduct may have played a role.
It is also empowered to recommend prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.
The inquiry will have powers to summon witnesses, request relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene and other locations, receive oral and documentary evidence and recommend measures to protect witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation.
Adeleke also directed the preservation of evidence that could assist the inquiry, including firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other relevant materials.
The Executive Order further provides for the protection of witnesses and families of victims, the acquisition of medical and forensic documentation and measures to maintain peace in Ikire pending the conclusion of the inquiry.
The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have also been formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could prejudice the investigation or affect public confidence.
Magistrate Shiyanbola will serve as chairman of the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will be secretary.
Other members are 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, who will serve as 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.
The governor also stated that anyone found culpable would not be shielded from justice because 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 is reached.
