Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has established a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry to investigate 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, empowers 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 possible criminal responsibility.
Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed Chairman of the panel, while Mr. Abiodun Badiora will serve as Secretary. Other members include retired AIG Aderanti C. Kayode, Mr. Dele Akintayo, a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association, a civil society representative, an Ikire community representative and a medical/forensic expert.
The panel will also examine the role of security operatives during the incident, including whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their deployment complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
It has been empowered to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene and receive oral and documentary evidence. It may also recommend prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms where necessary.
Governor Adeleke has directed the preservation of firearms and ammunition records, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical and autopsy records, photographs, videos and other evidence relevant to the investigation.
The state government has also asked the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police to take appropriate interim administrative measures regarding 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 report within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any approved extension.
Governor Adeleke assured the people of Ikire, families of the deceased, the injured and the wider public that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently, stressing that anyone found culpable would face justice regardless of status or affiliation.
The government, however, emphasised that all allegations remain unproven until established through credible evidence before the panel.
