Gov Adeleke Inaugurates Commissions of Inquiry into Pre and Post-Election Violence in Osun

By Bukola ELUFADEJIN

The Osun State Government has inaugurated Commissions of Inquiry to investigate alleged incidents of violence and other unlawful activities reported across the state ahead of the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election.

This is contained in a statement released by Abdulraheem Adekilekun Tijani, Media Officer To The Commission.

The Commissions were inaugurated on Tuesday, September 2, 2026 at the Ministry of Justice Conference Hall, Abere by the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, on behalf of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.

In his address, Jimi-Bada (SAN) said the Commissions were constituted in response to reports, petitions and public concerns alleging acts of violence, intimidation, assault, destruction of property, unlawful possession or use of weapons, breach of public peace and other unlawful activities said to have occurred before and after the election.

“Elections are the foundation of democracy. Citizens must be able to participate freely and peacefully in the democratic process without fear, intimidation or violence. Where allegations of unlawful conduct arise, government has a duty to ensure that the facts are carefully examined and that justice is pursued in accordance with the law,” he stated.

The Attorney-General described the establishment of the Commissions as “a clear demonstration of this administration’s commitment to justice, accountability, public order, peace and the rule of law.”

While stressing that the exercise was not a witch-hunts, Barrister Jimi-Bada stressed that the Commissions was not set up to persecute any person, political party, candidate, group, public officer or security agency.

“It is a lawful fact-finding body established to ascertain the truth, identify persons who may have been affected, determine responsibility where supported by credible evidence, and recommend measures to strengthen public peace and prevent any recurrence of unlawful conduct,” he said.

He added that the Commissions were also “not intended to shield anyone from accountability,” noting that where credible evidence discloses wrongdoing, the panel is expected to make firm, fair and lawful recommendations.

The Attorney-General charged the Commissions to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the alleged incidents, identify persons or groups involved where evidence permits, ascertain persons affected, examine any damage to property, and review the roles of political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders.

The panels are also expected to receive memoranda, petitions, oral and written evidence, documents, photographs, videos and other relevant materials from petitioners, witnesses, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, journalists, traditional institutions and members of the public.

Jimi-Bada urged the members to conduct their proceedings with fairness, independence, transparency and respect for the principles of natural justice. He said every allegation must be carefully examined and findings must be based strictly on evidence, law and justice.

The Attorney-General called on all political parties, candidates, security agencies, public institutions, community leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, journalists and members of the public to cooperate fully with the Commissions.

He warned that the government will not tolerate intimidation of witnesses, suppression of evidence, harassment of petitioners or any attempt to interfere with the work of the Commissions.

To the political class, he said: “Political contest must never become a licence for intimidation, destruction of property, breach of public peace or any unlawful conduct. The peace and stability of Osun State are greater than the ambition of any individual or group.”

He also appealed to members of the press to ensure balanced and responsible reporting to promote truth, peace and confidence in the process.

Jimi-Bada said Governor Adeleke expects the two Commissions to submit their report within the time stipulated in the instrument establishing each of them. The report should contain clear findings of fact, persons affected, persons or groups found culpable where applicable, recommendations for prosecution or sanctions, recommendations for compensation or relief, and measures to strengthen peace and public confidence in the democratic process in Osun State.

He formally inaugurated the Commissions on behalf of the Governor and prayed for wisdom, courage, fairness and integrity for the Chairman and members.

The ultimate goal, he said, is “to help strengthen democracy, promote accountability, restore public confidence and ensure that political participation in Osun State continues to take place in an atmosphere of peace, fairness and respect for human dignity.”

The Commission of Enquiry into incidents of violence and unlawful activities reported across the state in the period leading to the August 15 election has Justice Abdurazaq Abdulkareem as Chairman while Barrister Biodun Badiora is the secretary. Others are Mr. R. Faremi, Mr. Maruff Adediran Esq, Comrade Waheed Lawal, AIG Aderanti Kayode (RTD), Dr. Adeyemi Aboderin, Dr Azeez Morufu Olakunle and Mr. Abodunrin Matthew Adeyinka.

The Coroner on Ikire Killings has Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola as Chairman, Barrister Biodun Badiora, Secretary, AIG Aderanti Kayode and Mr. Dele Akintayo are members.

Other members are Comrade Wale Balogun, Alhaji Akinkunmi Taliat Lanrewaju and Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, the CMD of UNIOSUN Reaching Hospital.

Dignitaries at the event included representatives of security agencies, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society representatives and members of the press.