Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an investigation into the August 24 violence in Ikire, including the role of security operatives and possible use of live ammunition, while asking police authorities to take interim administrative measures against officers whose continued operational command could prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence.
The investigation, established through an Executive Order, will examine the killings, shootings, injuries and other violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, in Irewole Local Government Area.
The order takes effect on August 31, 2026, according to a statement issued on Saturday by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
The Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry, headed by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, establish the identities and number of victims, and determine the immediate and remote causes of the violence.
It will also examine whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths.
Panel to scrutinise security operatives, use of weapons
A major part of the inquiry will focus on the conduct of security operatives during the incident.
The panel is mandated 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.
According to the government, the panel will also investigate 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 actions or omissions may have contributed to the incident.
The inquiry may recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence.
Police officers may face interim administrative measures
The Executive Order also provides for interim measures concerning police personnel whose continued operational command could affect the inquiry.
The Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and the Osun State Commissioner of Police have been formally requested to take appropriate administrative steps regarding any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the investigation or affect public confidence.
The government did not identify any officer who would be affected by the proposed measures.
Panel given powers to summon witnesses, preserve evidence
The panel will have the power to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant locations, and receive oral and documentary evidence.
It may also recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation.
Adeleke directed that evidence relevant to the inquiry be preserved, including firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other materials.
The Executive Order further provides for the protection of witnesses and families of those killed, the acquisition of medical and forensic documentation and measures to maintain peace in Ikire pending the conclusion of the inquiry.
Who is on the panel?
Magistrate Shiyanbola will chair the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary.
Other members are AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni (retd.); Dele Akintayo; a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association; Wale Balogun, representing civil society organisations; a community representative from Ikire; and Dr Babatunde Afolabi 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 concerned persons to submit memoranda and evidence.
Adeleke assured residents of Ikire, families of the deceased, the injured and the wider public that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
He also stated that anyone found culpable would not be shielded from justice because of their status, office, political connections or institutional affiliation.
The government, however, stressed that allegations against any individual remain allegations until they are established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel.
