Adeleke Issues Executive Order, Sets Up Panel Over Osun Killings

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence that occurred at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area.

The violence occurred on August 24, 2026, reportedly resulting in deaths and injuries, including injuries to police officers. The Executive Order takes effect on August 31.

The panel, chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, with Abiodun Badiora as secretary, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, establish the identities and number of victims, determine the immediate and remote causes of the violence and establish whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths.

The inquiry will also examine the role of security operatives during the incident, including whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their deployment complied with applicable laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.

The panel is empowered to identify individuals, groups, security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials or others whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the incident.

It may recommend prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.

Adeleke also directed that relevant evidence be preserved, including firearms and ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs and videos.

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

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, although an extension may be approved where necessary.

Families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders and human rights activists have been invited to submit memoranda and relevant evidence.

Adeleke assured residents of Ikire, victims’ families and the wider public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, fairly and transparently.

The governor said anyone found culpable would not be shielded from justice, regardless of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation.

The government stressed that allegations against individuals would remain allegations until established through credible evidence before the panel.