Governor Adeleke issues executive order to probe Ikire killings

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued an executive order establishing a coroner’s 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.

In a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the executive order, which takes effect on August 31, 2026, empowers the panel 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.

Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola was appointed Chairman and Mr Abiodun Badiora Secretary, alongside AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni (Rtd), Mr Dele Akintayo, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association and civil society organisations, a community representative from Ikire, and Dr Babatunde Afolabi as the Medical/Forensic Representative.

The panel was mandated to examine the role of security operatives and establish whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.

The executive order also empowered the panel to identify any individual, group, security personnel, political actor, transport union member, public official or other person whose action or omission may have contributed to the incident, and recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms.

According to the statement, the panel may summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene and receive oral and documentary evidence. It may also recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation.

The order directed the preservation of firearms and ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other relevant materials. It also requested the inspector-general of police, Police Service Commission and Osun commissioner of police to take appropriate interim administrative steps concerning any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence.

Rasheed said the panel is expected to commence sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report within 30 days of its first sitting. He added that victims’ families and other concerned persons may submit memoranda and evidence, with Adeleke assuring that no person found culpable would be shielded from justice.