Gov Adeleke Constitutes Panel on Ikire Killings
...to submit report within 30 days as Governor vows "no one will be shielded"
By Israel Olayanju
Governor Ademola Adeleke has signed an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings and violence that occurred at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area on August 24, 2026.
The Executive Order, which takes effect from August 31, 2026, was announced on Friday in a statement by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
According to the Order, the panel is mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the identities and number of victims, establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence, and ascertain whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths.
Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola will serve as Chairman, with Mr. Abiodun Badiora as Secretary. Other members are:
AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni, Rtd; Mr. Dele Akintayo representing the Nigerian Bar Association; Comrade Wale Balogun representing Civil Society Organisations; a community representative from Ikire; and Dr. Babatunde Afolabi as Medical/Forensic Representative.
The panel will examine the role of security operatives, determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used, and assess if their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
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.
The inquiry may recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence.
The panel has powers to summon witnesses, demand police and medical records, inspect the scene, receive oral and documentary evidence, and recommend protection for witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation.
Governor Adeleke directed the preservation of all relevant materials including firearms records, station diaries, communication logs, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs and videos.
He also requested the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to take interim administrative steps concerning any police officer whose continued operational command may prejudice the inquiry.
The panel is expected to commence sitting within seven days of inauguration and submit its final report within 30 days, subject to any extension approved by the Governor.
The government has invited victims’ families, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, CSOs, political parties, community leaders and human rights activists to submit memoranda and evidence to the panel.
Assuring residents of a thorough process, Governor Adeleke said:
“The incident will be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently. No person found culpable shall be shielded from justice, irrespective of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation.” the statement added.
The Executive Order stressed that all allegations remain allegations until established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel.
