Adeleke issues Executive Order, sets up panel on Ikire killings - ITREALMS

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has issued an Executive Order establishing a Judicial Commission of Inquiry and Coroner Inquest into the violent shootings, fatalities, and civil unrest reported at the Naira and Kobo Junction motor park area in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, reports ITREALMS.

The Executive Order, which took official effect on August 31, 2026, mandates the panel to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the August 24 violent incident, ascertain the exact number of casualties, determine immediate and underlying causes, and establish criminal liability connecting any deaths or injuries.

The newly constituted panel is chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, with Abiodun Badiora serving as Secretary. Other appointed members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Dr. Aderanti Kayode, Dele Akintayo, alongside representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society coalitions, the Ikire local community, and medical forensic expert Dr. Babatunde Afolabi.

Under its statutory mandate, the commission is tasked with examining the conduct of security personnel, evaluating whether the deployment of live ammunition complied with established rules of engagement, and identifying any political actors, transport union members, or public officials whose actions or omissions contributed to the violence.

The panel retains the authority to recommend criminal prosecution, institutional reforms, and state compensation for affected families.

To ensure an uncompromised investigation, Governor Adeleke directed the immediate preservation of all relevant evidentiary materials, including station diaries, armory logs, duty rosters, ballistics reports, and communication recordings.

Furthermore, the Osun State Government formally requested the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to implement interim administrative reassignments for any operational officers whose continued presence might prejudice the inquiry or undermine public trust.

The panel is scheduled to commence public sittings within seven days of inauguration and present its final findings within 30 days, with the government calling on affected families, eyewitnesses, and civil society groups to submit formal memoranda to the commission.

Gbemi Omotoso/Editor