Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has established a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry to investigate the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
The panel was established through an executive order signed by the governor and will take effect from August 31, 2026.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the panel will investigate the circumstances surrounding the August 24 incident, determine the number and identities of victims and establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence.
Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed chairman of the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Aderanti Kayode, Dele Akintayo, representing the Nigerian Bar Association, Wale Balogun representing civil society organisations, an Ikire community representative and Babatunde Afolabi as the medical and forensic representative.
The panel is also mandated to investigate the role of security personnel, determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and establish whether their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
It will further identify any individual or group, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials or others, whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the incident.
The panel has the authority to summon witnesses, request police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence and recommend measures to protect witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation.
Governor Adeleke also directed the preservation of firearms and ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical and autopsy records, photographs, videos and other materials relevant to the investigation.
The governor requested the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police to take appropriate interim administrative measures regarding any police officer whose continued operational command could prejudice the inquiry or undermine public confidence.
The panel is expected to commence sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its report within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
The government has also invited victims’ families, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society groups, political parties, community leaders and human rights activists to submit memoranda and evidence to the panel.
Adeleke assured the people of Ikire and the families of those affected that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
He added that anyone found culpable would face justice, regardless of their status, office or political connections, while stressing that all allegations remain subject to proof through credible evidence.
