Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has constituted a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry to investigate the deaths, shootings, injuries and other acts of violence that occurred at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area of the state.
The panel follows the violent incident that occurred in Ikire on Monday, August 24, 2026, when an alleged attempt by a group of thugs to take control of the Naira and Kobo motor park reportedly triggered clashes.
The violence left two people dead, according to the police, while three police officers sustained injuries.
A statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the Executive Order establishing the inquiry would take effect from Monday, August 31.
According to the statement, the panel has been mandated to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the identities and number of victims, and investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the violence.
It will also examine whether any individual bears criminal responsibility for the deaths recorded during the unrest.
Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola will chair the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as Secretary.
Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Dr Aderanti C. Kayode; Dele Akintayo; representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and the Ikire community.
Dr Babatunde Afolabi has been appointed as the panel’s Medical/Forensic Representative.
The inquiry will investigate the circumstances that led to the shootings and killings, including the conduct and involvement of security personnel.
The panel will determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were deployed and whether their use was consistent with relevant laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
It will also have the authority to identify individuals, groups, security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials or others whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the violence.
Where necessary, the panel may recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence.
To aid its investigation, the panel has been empowered to summon witnesses, demand police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, and receive oral and documentary evidence.
It may also recommend protective measures for witnesses and other individuals considered vulnerable to intimidation or retaliation.
Governor Adeleke further directed relevant authorities to preserve firearms and ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other evidence connected to the incident.
The Executive Order also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to take appropriate interim administrative measures where the conduct of any police officer could undermine the inquiry or erode public confidence in the investigation.
The panel is expected to begin its proceedings within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the Osun State Government within 30 days of its first sitting, unless the governor approves an extension.
The state government has invited families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society groups, political parties, community leaders and human rights activists to submit memoranda and relevant evidence to the panel.
Adeleke assured residents of Ikire and the families of those killed or injured that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
The governor, according to the statement, vowed that anyone found culpable would face justice, regardless of their status, position, political affiliation or institutional connection.
