Adeleke Orders Coroner Inquest Into Ikire Killings
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has ordered a coroner inquest into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on August 24, 2026, had generated concerns and calls for a thorough investigation to establish what led to the violence and determine those responsible.
In an Executive Order issued by the governor, a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry was established to investigate the incident and determine the identities and number of victims, as well as the immediate and remote causes of the violence.
The panel is also expected to establish whether any criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths recorded during the incident.
The Executive Order appointed Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola as Chairman of the panel, while Mr Abiodun Badiora was named Secretary.
Other members include retired AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, mni, Mr 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, the Medical/Forensic Representative.
The panel is mandated to examine the circumstances surrounding the shootings and killings, including the role of security operatives in the incident.
It will also determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their use was in accordance with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
The panel is empowered to identify any individual, group, security personnel, political actor, transport union member, public official or other person whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the incident.
Where culpability is established, the panel may recommend prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence.
The inquiry will have the authority to summon witnesses, request police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, and receive oral and documentary evidence.
It may also recommend measures to protect witnesses and individuals who may be exposed to intimidation or retaliation during the inquiry.
The governor directed that firearms and ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other relevant materials be preserved for the investigation.
The Executive Order further directed relevant authorities to take measures to protect witnesses and families of victims, secure medical and forensic documentation and maintain peace in Ikire while the inquiry is ongoing.
The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police were also formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence in the process.
The panel is expected to commence sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the state government within 30 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
Victims’ families, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders, human rights activists and other concerned persons have been invited to submit memoranda and relevant evidence to the panel.
Adeleke assured the people of Ikire, families of the deceased, the injured and the general public that the incident would be investigated “thoroughly, fairly and transparently.”
The governor further stated that “no person found culpable shall be shielded from justice”, irrespective of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation.
The Executive Order, however, stressed that all allegations remain allegations until established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel.