Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued an executive order establishing a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, on August 24, 2026.
The executive order, which takes effect on August 31, mandates the panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the identities and number of victims, establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence and examine whether criminal responsibility is linked to the deaths.
Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola was appointed chairman of the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary, according to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
Other members include retired AIG Aderanti Kayode, Nigerian Bar Association representative Dele Akintayo, civil society representative Wale Balogun, a community representative from Ikire and medical and forensic representative Babatunde Afolabi.
The panel is mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shootings and killings and examine the role of security personnel. It will also determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their use complied with applicable laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
It will further identify individuals or groups, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members and public officials, whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the incident.
The panel may recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.
It has the authority to summon witnesses, request police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence, and recommend measures to protect witnesses and others at risk of intimidation or retaliation.
Adeleke also directed relevant authorities to preserve firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other materials relevant to the investigation.
The government also called for measures to protect witnesses and victims’ families, obtain 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 were formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could prejudice the inquiry or undermine public confidence.
The panel is expected to begin sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the Osun 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.
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, office, political connections or institutional affiliation. It also stressed that all allegations remain allegations until established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel.
