Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has signed an Executive Order setting up a Coroner’s Inquest and Panel of Inquiry to investigate the killings, shootings, injuries and other acts of violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.
According to reports, the violence erupted in Ikire on Monday, August 24, 2026, following an alleged attempt by a group of thugs to take over the Naira and Kobo motor park.
The incident reportedly left two people dead, according to the police, while three police officers sustained injuries.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Saturday, the order was said to take effect from Monday, August 31, 2026.
The statement also disclosed that the Executive Order mandates the panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the identities and number of victims.
“It is also expected to determine the immediate and remote causes of the violence and examine whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths recorded during the incident,” the statement added.
Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed Chairman of the Coroner Inquest/Panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as Secretary.
“Other members include retired AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, Mr Dele Akintayo and representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and the Ikire community.
“Dr Babatunde Afolabi will serve as the Medical/Forensic Representative on the panel. The inquiry will examine the circumstances leading to the shootings and killings, including the role of security operatives in the incident.
“The panel will also establish whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and determine whether their use complied with applicable laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards,” the statement pointed out.
According to the statement, “The Executive Order empowers the panel 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.
“It may also recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence of similar incidents.
“The panel is empowered to summon witnesses, request police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence, and recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation.”
The statement added that the state governor also directed the preservation of firearms, ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other materials relevant to the inquiry.
The Executive Order further requested the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police to take appropriate interim administrative steps concerning any police officer whose actions could prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence.
“The panel is expected to commence sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the Osun State Government within 30 days from its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
“The government invited victims’ families, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders and human rights activists to submit memoranda and evidence.
“Governor Adeleke assured the people of Ikire and the families of the deceased and injured that the incident would 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.