Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry to investigate the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on August 24, 2026, and the panel is expected to establish what led to the violence, determine the number and identities of victims and investigate whether anyone bears criminal responsibility for the deaths.
Adeleke’s Executive Order, which takes effect on August 31, places the inquiry under the leadership of Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola.
The state government announced the development in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
The panel will investigate the immediate and remote causes of the violence, including the circumstances surrounding the reported shootings and killings.
It will also examine the role played by security operatives during the incident and determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used.
According to the government, the panel will establish whether the use of such weapons complied with applicable laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
“The panel is mandated to determine the circumstances leading to the shootings and killings, examine the role of security operatives, 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 inquiry will also examine whether the actions or omissions of individuals or groups contributed to the violence.
The panel has been empowered to identify any person or organisation whose conduct may have contributed to the incident, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials and community members.
“It is also 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 incident.”
Depending on its findings, the panel may recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.
“The panel may recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent recurrence,” the government said.
The panel will have powers to summon witnesses and demand relevant records from government agencies and other institutions.
It will also be able to inspect the scene of the incident, receive oral and documentary evidence and recommend measures to protect witnesses and other persons who may face intimidation or retaliation.
“The inquiry will have 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 at risk of intimidation or retaliation.”
Adeleke has also directed that evidence potentially relevant to the investigation be preserved.
The materials include firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs and videos connected to the incident.
The Executive Order further provides for the protection of witnesses and families of those killed, while requiring the government to obtain relevant medical and forensic documentation.
Authorities are also expected to maintain peace in Ikire throughout the duration of the inquiry.
The governor has formally requested that the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police consider appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could prejudice the inquiry or undermine public confidence.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police are formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative steps concerning any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence.”
Who Will Sit on the Panel?
Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola will chair the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary.
Other members include AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni (retd.), Dele Akintayo, a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association, 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 expected to begin sitting within seven days of its inauguration.
It will submit its final report to the Osun State Government within 30 days from the date of its first sitting, although the governor may approve an extension where necessary.
The government has also called on people with relevant information about the incident to submit evidence to the panel.
Those invited to participate include families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders and human rights activists.
Adeleke assured residents of Ikire, families of those killed, the injured and the wider public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
He also said anyone found culpable would face justice regardless of their position, influence or political connections.
“The Executive Order states that no person found culpable shall be shielded from justice, irrespective of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation.”
The state government, however, stressed that allegations against individuals must be established through credible evidence before conclusions are reached.
“All allegations remain allegations until established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel.”
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