Gov Adeleke sets up panel to investigate Ikire Motor Park Violence

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest/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 violence broke out on Monday, August 24, 2026, during an alleged attempt by a group of thugs to take over the Naira and Kobo motor park.

 

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, two persons were identified by the police to have died in the incident, while three police personnel sustained injuries.

 

The Executive Order takes effect from Monday, August 31, 2026, and mandates the panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the identities and number of victims.

 

It is also expected to determine the immediate and remote causes of the violence and examine whether criminal responsibility is connected to the deaths recorded.

 

Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola was appointed Chairman of the Coroner Inquest/Panel, while Abiodun Badiora will serve as Secretary.

 

Other members include retired AIG Dr Aderanti C. Kayode, Dele Akintayo, and representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and the Ikire community.

 

Dr Babatunde Afolabi will serve as the Medical/Forensic Representative on the panel.

 

The inquiry will examine the circumstances leading to the shootings and killings, including the role of security operatives, and determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used in compliance with applicable laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.

 

The panel is empowered to identify individuals, groups, security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials or others whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the incident.

 

It may also recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence.

 

The panel will have the authority to summon witnesses, request police and medical records, inspect relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence, and recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation.

 

The governor also directed the preservation of firearms and ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other materials relevant to the inquiry.

 

The Executive Order further requested the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose actions could prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence.

 

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 of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.

 

The state government invited victims’ families, eyewitnesses, journalists, transport workers, police officers, medical personnel, civil society organisations, political parties, community leaders and human rights activists to submit memoranda and evidence.

 

Adeleke assured the people of Ikire and the families of those killed or injured that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently.

 

“No person found culpable shall be shielded from justice irrespective of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation,” the governor said.