Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has established a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry to investigate the killings, shootings, injuries and other acts of violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, the Motor Park/Garage Area in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
The inquiry was established through an Executive Order issued by the governor, which took effect on August 31, 2026, following the violence reported in the community on August 24.
The panel is mandated to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, establish the identities and number of victims, investigate the immediate and remote causes of the violence and determine whether criminal responsibility may be connected to the deaths.
Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola will chair the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as Secretary. Other members include retired AIG Aderanti C. Kayode, Dele Akintayo, a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association, Wale Balogun representing civil society organisations, an Ikire community representative and Dr Babatunde Afolabi as the medical and forensic representative.
The panel will investigate the circumstances leading to the shootings and killings, including the role of security personnel and whether live ammunition or other weapons were used in accordance with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
It will also identify individuals or groups whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the violence, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials and other persons connected to the incident.
The panel has the authority to recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms where necessary.
It can summon witnesses, obtain police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence and recommend measures to protect witnesses and individuals at risk of intimidation or retaliation.
Adeleke also 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 materials that could assist the investigation.
The Executive Order further directs authorities to protect witnesses and families of victims, secure relevant medical and forensic documentation and maintain peace in Ikire throughout the inquiry.
The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have also been requested to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could compromise the inquiry or undermine public confidence in the process.
The panel is expected to begin sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its report to the state government within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
Victims’ families, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other interested persons have been invited to submit memoranda and evidence to the panel.
Governor Adeleke assured residents of Ikire, the families of those killed, the injured and the wider public that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
The Executive Order states that anyone found culpable will not be shielded from justice, regardless of status, political affiliation, public office or institutional connection.
It, however, emphasised that all allegations remain allegations until established through credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel.
