Osun Election Violence Probe Not To Witch-Hunt Anyone

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured residents that the Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate election-related violence will not be used to witch-hunt anyone.

The commission was inaugurated on Wednesday to investigate incidents of violence and other unlawful activities reported before and after the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Representing the governor at the inauguration, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, said the panel was established to ascertain the facts surrounding the reported incidents and ensure that its findings were based on evidence, law and justice.

He stressed that the exercise was not designed to target individuals, political parties or groups.

The commission will investigate allegations involving violence, intimidation, assault, destruction of property, unlawful possession or use of weapons, breaches of public peace and other unlawful conduct connected with the election period.

Jimi-Bada said the panel would identify persons who may have been affected and determine responsibility where credible evidence supports such conclusions.

He explained that the commission was not intended to shield anyone from accountability. Where evidence establishes wrongdoing, he said, the panel is expected to make appropriate and lawful recommendations.

The commission has also been mandated to examine the immediate and remote causes of the incidents, assess property damage and review the roles played by political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders.

It will receive memoranda, petitions, oral and written evidence, documents, photographs, videos and other relevant materials from witnesses, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, journalists, traditional institutions and members of the public.

The state government urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the inquiry and warned against intimidation of witnesses, suppression of evidence, harassment of petitioners or interference with the commission’s work.

The government also called on political parties and candidates to avoid actions capable of threatening peace and stability in the state.

The commission is expected to submit its report within the period stipulated in the instrument establishing it. Its recommendations may include prosecution or sanctions where wrongdoing is established, compensation or relief for affected persons, and measures to prevent future violence.

A separate coroner’s inquest was also inaugurated to investigate the killings in Ikire.

The state government said the broader objective of the inquiries was to promote accountability, restore public confidence and strengthen peaceful democratic participation in Osun State.

Officials maintained that every allegation would be assessed independently and that conclusions would be based on credible evidence rather than political affiliation or influence.