JUST IN: Adeleke orders coroner inquest into Ikire killings, violence

Politics

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage area of Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area on August 24, 2026.

The Executive Order, which takes effect from 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.

According to a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed Chairman of the Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry, while Mr Abiodun Badiora will serve as Secretary.

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Other members of the panel include AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni (Rtd); Mr Dele Akintayo; a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Comrade Wale Balogun, representing Civil Society Organisations; a community representative from Ikire; and Dr Babatunde Afolabi as the Medical and Forensic Representative.

The panel is mandated to determine the circumstances that led to the shootings and killings and examine the role played by security operatives during the incident.

It will also establish whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and determine whether their deployment complied with the law, applicable rules of engagement and recognised human rights standards.

The inquiry is further empowered 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 violence.

The panel may recommend the prosecution of persons found culpable, disciplinary measures against relevant officials, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.

The Executive Order also grants the panel powers to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence and recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons considered at risk of intimidation or retaliation.

Governor Adeleke further directed the preservation of all materials considered relevant to the inquiry, including firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other documentary evidence.

The order also calls for appropriate measures to protect witnesses and the families of victims, obtain necessary medical and forensic documentation and maintain peace and security in Ikire pending the conclusion of the inquiry.

The Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission and the Osun State Commissioner of Police have also been formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence in its outcome.

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 state government has invited the families of victims, 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 to the panel.

Governor Adeleke assured the people of Ikire, the families of the deceased, those injured in the violence and the general public that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently.

The Executive Order stressed that no person found culpable would be shielded from justice, irrespective of status, public office, political connection or institutional affiliation.

It, however, emphasised that all allegations remain allegations until they are established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry.