Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area.
The Executive Order, which takes effect on 31 August 2026, mandates the panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident of 24 August, establish the identities and number of victims and determine the immediate and underlying causes of the violence.
The state government announced the inquiry in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
The panel, chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, will also examine whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths and investigate the role of security personnel in the incident.
It will determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their use complied with applicable laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
“The panel is mandated to determine the circumstances leading to the shootings and killings, examine the role of security operatives, establish whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards,” the statement said.
The inquiry will further examine whether the actions or omissions of individuals or groups contributed to the violence.
The panel has been empowered to identify any person or organisation whose conduct may have played a role, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members and public officials.
“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 government said.
The panel may recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.
“The panel may recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent recurrence,” the statement added.
It will also have powers to summon witnesses, obtain relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene and other locations, and receive oral and documentary evidence.
The government said measures could also be recommended to protect witnesses and others at risk of intimidation or retaliation.
Adeleke directed that all potentially relevant evidence be preserved, including firearms and ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs and videos.
The Executive Order also provides for the protection of witnesses and the families of victims, the collection of medical and forensic evidence and measures to maintain peace in Ikire while the inquiry is ongoing.
The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have also been formally asked to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could prejudice the inquiry or undermine public confidence.
Magistrate Shiyanbola will serve as chairman of the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will be its secretary.
Other members include AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni (retd.); Dele Akintayo; a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association; Comrade Wale Balogun, representing civil society organisations; a community representative from Ikire; and Dr Babatunde Afolabi, who will serve as the medical and forensic representative.
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.
The state government has also invited members of the public with relevant information about the incident to submit evidence to the panel.
