- Governor Orders Coroner Inquest Into August 24 Violence
- APC Candidate Calls For End To Killings, Harassment, Intimidation
- Panel To Probe Security Operatives, Political Actors, Transport Union Members
- Victims’ Families Demand Justice, Warn Against Politicising The Killings
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a formal inquiry into the killings, shootings and injuries reported in Ikire, even as his major challenger in the August 15 governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, congratulated him on his re-election and called on him to protect APC members and other residents from further attacks.
Adeleke’s executive order, which takes effect on August 31, 2026, established a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area.
The panel is expected to establish what happened, identify the victims, determine the immediate and remote causes of the violence and examine whether any individual or group bears criminal responsibility.
The development comes at a sensitive point in Osun’s political transition, with the governor moving to investigate post-election violence while the defeated APC candidate has accepted Adeleke’s victory but raised fresh concerns over the safety of his supporters.
Adeleke Names Panel To Investigate Ikire Violence
Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed chairman of the panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as secretary, according to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
Other members are retired AIG Aderanti Kayode; Dele Akintayo, representing the Nigerian Bar Association; Wale Balogun, representing civil society organisations; a community representative from Ikire; and Babatunde Afolabi, the medical and forensic representative.
The panel has been given a broad mandate covering the circumstances surrounding the shootings and killings, the conduct of security personnel and the possible involvement of other actors.
It will determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
The inquiry will also examine the actions or omissions of security operatives, political actors, transport union members, public officials and other individuals or groups who may have contributed to the violence.
Police And Medical Records To Be Examined
The panel has powers to summon witnesses, demand police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant locations and receive both oral and documentary evidence.
Adeleke has 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.
The governor also directed that appropriate measures be taken to protect witnesses, victims’ families and other persons who could face intimidation or retaliation.
The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have been formally requested to consider appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could prejudice the inquiry or undermine public confidence.
The panel may recommend prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms if its findings establish grounds for such measures.
Oyebamiji Congratulates Adeleke, Raises Security Concerns
While the governor was setting up the inquiry, Oyebamiji congratulated Adeleke on his re-election and urged him to protect lives and property across the state.
In a statement issued in Osogbo, the APC candidate reminded Adeleke of his responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of Osun, particularly during what he described as a sensitive post-election period.
“In the spirit of democracy and as we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the creation of our dear Osun State, I congratulate Gov. Ademola Adeleke on his victory in the Aug. 15 governorship election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” he said.
Oyebamiji, however, called for an end to what he described as killings, harassment and intimidation of APC members and supporters.
“The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must stop forthwith,” he said, adding that attacks on innocent citizens and their businesses must not be allowed to continue.
His intervention placed the safety of opposition supporters and the security of businesses alongside the broader question of post-election stability in the state.
APC Candidate Raises Alarm Over Businesses
Oyebamiji also expressed concern over alleged attacks on small and medium-sized businesses because of the perceived political affiliations or non-allegiance of their owners to the Accord Party.
He described such attacks as unacceptable in a state seeking to attract investment, expand economic activity and create sustainable employment.
“The provision of security and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive is not negotiable,” he said.
The APC candidate commended party members for what he described as their courage, resilience and commitment to the party’s Prosperity Agenda.
He said democracy should ultimately serve the welfare and aspirations of the people, promising that the APC would continue to work towards what he described as a greater Osun.
Inquiry To Begin Within Seven Days
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 the date of its first sitting.
The governor may approve an extension where necessary.
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 evidence.
The invitation potentially widens the inquiry beyond official accounts, allowing people who witnessed the violence or dealt with its aftermath to place evidence before the panel.
APC Turns Attention To 2027
Despite congratulating Adeleke, Oyebamiji said the APC would continue to pursue justice and fairness over the electoral process through lawful and constitutional means.
He said the party had begun wider consultations with elders and other critical stakeholders on the way forward.
Oyebamiji also urged APC leaders, members and supporters to begin mobilisation for the 2027 general elections, including preparations for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and the party’s other candidates in Osun.
He called for unity and stronger party structures as the APC prepares for another electoral contest.
INEC Declared Adeleke Winner
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke winner of the August 15 governorship election in the early hours of August 16.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.
Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress came third with 17,180 votes.
The Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, declared the result at the INEC collation centre.
With Adeleke now moving to establish the facts surrounding the Ikire violence and Oyebamiji demanding protection for APC members while pledging to pursue electoral grievances through constitutional channels, the immediate test for Osun is whether the post-election period can be managed without further violence. The credibility of the inquiry will rest on its ability to establish the facts, protect witnesses and ensure that responsibility, where proven, is followed by appropriate action.
