Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered an investigation into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence that occurred at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of the state on August 24, 2026.
The governor issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest and Panel of Inquiry to investigate what led to the violence, identify the victims and determine the number of people killed or injured during the incident.
The panel, which will be chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, is expected to examine the immediate and underlying causes of the violence and determine whether the deaths resulted from criminal actions.
It will also investigate the activities of security personnel at the scene and determine whether firearms, live ammunition or other weapons were used during the incident. The panel is expected to establish whether the actions of security officers were in line with the law, their rules of engagement and human rights standards.
The Executive Order was announced by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement issued on Saturday. It will take effect on August 31.
The inquiry will also look into the possible involvement of individuals, groups, political actors, transport union members, public officials and security personnel in the incident. It will seek to establish whether the actions or failure to act by any person or group contributed to the violence.
The panel has been given powers to invite witnesses and obtain records that may help with the investigation. It can request police and medical documents, inspect the locations where the incidents occurred and receive both written and oral evidence.
The inquiry will also have the authority to recommend steps to protect witnesses and people who may face threats, intimidation or retaliation because of their involvement in the investigation.
Adeleke has directed relevant authorities to preserve materials that could help the panel establish what happened. These include firearms, ammunition records, police station diaries, communication records, incident reports, duty schedules, medical documents, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other evidence connected to the case.
The governor also ordered measures to protect witnesses and relatives of those who died during the incident. Medical and forensic records are to be obtained as part of efforts to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and injuries.
The government further directed that peace be maintained in Ikire while the inquiry is ongoing.
The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have also been asked to consider temporary administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued command could interfere with the investigation or affect public confidence in the process.
Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary of the panel, while other members include retired AIG Aderanti C. Kayode, 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 as the medical and forensic representative.
The panel is expected to begin its work within seven days of its inauguration and submit its report to the Osun State Government within 30 days of its first sitting. The period may be extended if the governor considers it necessary.
The state government has called on families of victims, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society groups, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other people with useful information to submit evidence to the panel.
Adeleke said the investigation would be conducted fairly and openly, with the aim of establishing what happened and ensuring that those responsible face appropriate consequences.
The governor also directed that no person found responsible should receive protection because of their political position, public office, influence or connections.
However, the government stated that claims against anyone must be supported by credible evidence before responsibility can be established by the panel.
The inquiry is therefore expected to provide a clear account of the events in Ikire, determine those responsible for the violence and make recommendations that could include criminal prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.