Osun State launches dual inquiries into electoral violence and tragic motor park killings

By Isa Isawade, Osogbo

In a historic display of commitment to justice and the rule of law, the Osun State Government on Wednesday inaugurated two separate panels of inquiry aimed at uncovering the truth behind recent violent incidents that have shaken the state—a deadly confrontation at the Naira and Kobo Junction Motor Park in Ikire, and widespread political violence preceding the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The solemn ceremony, held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Hall in Abere, marked a defining moment for Governor Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke’s administration, which has pledged to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of justice for victims and their families.

“Not a Witch-Hunt, Not a Shield”: Attorney-General Sets the Tone

Delivering the inaugural address on behalf of Governor Adeleke, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, struck a careful balance between reassurance and resolve as he formally inaugurated the Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the tragic events of August 24, 2026, at Ikire.

The incident, which allegedly claimed the lives of commercial bus driver Saheed Akinrole and another yet-unidentified passenger while leaving several others injured, has sparked widespread public concern and anxiety across the state.

“Let me state clearly that this inquiry is not a witch-hunt,” Jimi-Bada declared before a packed hall of dignitaries, security officials, legal practitioners, the press and community representatives. “It is not meant to persecute any person, group, agency or institution. At the same time, it is not designed to shield anyone from accountability. All allegations remain allegations until tested by credible evidence and due process.”

The Ikire Tragedy: A Community in Mourning

The Coroner Inquest, established pursuant to the Coroner Law, Cap 32, Laws of Osun State, 2002, has been mandated to ascertain the identities of the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths, and establish the immediate and remote causes of the incident that transformed the bustling Naira and Kobo Junction Motor Park into a scene of violence and bloodshed.

The panel faces the weighty responsibility of examining whether force was used, whether live ammunition or other weapons were deployed, who authorised or carried out such actions, and whether the conduct of any person complied with the law and applicable rules of engagement.

A Broader Mandate: Investigating Pre-Election Violence

In a parallel development demonstrating the administration’s comprehensive approach to justice, the Attorney-General also inaugurated a separate Commission of Inquiry into incidents of violence and other unlawful activities reported across the state in the period leading to the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

This Commission, chaired by Hon. Justice A.B. Abdulkareem (Rtd.), has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding reported cases of killings, assaults, intimidation, threats, arson, destruction of property, electoral disruption, and unlawful possession or use of weapons before the election.

The Commission’s mandate extends to tracing the causes and circumstances of the violence to establish the involvement, if any, of political actors, security personnel, public officers, organizations, supporters, and other individuals or groups.

Demanding Accountability Across the Board

The panels have been empowered to recommend appropriate criminal, civil, administrative, or disciplinary action where culpability is established, and may propose compensation, medical assistance, rehabilitation, and other forms of support for victims and families of deceased persons.

The Attorney-General issued a stern warning to those who might consider interfering with the proceedings: “The Government will not tolerate intimidation of witnesses, destruction of evidence, harassment of victims or any attempt to interfere with the work of this Panel. Any person with useful information should feel free to come forward.”

A Call for Cooperation and Calm

Jimi-Bada called on the Nigeria Police Force, relevant security agencies, hospitals, mortuaries, public institutions, transport unions, community leaders, and all persons with relevant information to cooperate fully with the panels. Records such as station diaries, firearm registers, duty rosters, ammunition records, medical reports, autopsy reports, photographs, videos, and eyewitness accounts should be preserved and made available when required.

To the people of Ikire, especially the families of the deceased and injured, youth groups, transport workers, and political actors, the Attorney-General appealed for calm and law-abiding conduct.

“Justice cannot thrive in an atmosphere of violence, intimidation or reprisal,” he emphasised.

Preserving Evidence, Protecting Witnesses

The panels have been instructed to receive evidence from victims’ families, eyewitnesses, transport workers, community members, medical personnel, security agencies, journalists, civil society organizations, and members of the public. The public confidence in this process will depend on the fairness, independence, courage, and diligence of the panel members.

The Attorney-General emphasised that all parties must listen to all sides, protect the dignity of victims and witnesses, and ensure that findings are guided strictly by evidence, law, and justice.

“Your Pain is Recognised”

In a poignant moment during his address, Jimi-Bada directly addressed the families of victims: “We say again: your pain is recognised, and your voices will be heard. The government of Osun State is committed to ensuring that the truth is established and justice is pursued in accordance with the law.”

The panels are expected to make clear findings and recommendations on accountability, possible prosecution or disciplinary action, compensation or relief for victims, and measures to prevent future incidents of unlawful killings, abuse of firearms, political violence, motor park-related violence, and breakdown of public order.

The Media’s Role in Pursuing Truth

The Attorney-General urged the press to engage in responsible and balanced reporting, noting that the matter is sensitive and that public communication must promote truth, peace, and the integrity of the proceedings.

Composition of the Commission of Inquiry

The Commission of Inquiry into pre-election violence comprises distinguished professionals from various fields:

· Hon. Justice A.B. Abdulkareem (Rtd.) – Chairman
· Abiodun Badiora, Esq. – Secretary
· M.R. Faremi, Esq. – Representative, Ministry of Justice
· Maruf Adediran, Esq. – Representative, Nigerian Bar Association, Osogbo Branch
· Comrade (Dr.) Waheed Lawal – Representative, Civil Society Organization
· AIG (Dr.) Aderanti C. Kayode – Security Expert
· Dr. Adeyemi Aboderin (NUJ Chairman) – Representative, Media
· Dr. Azeez Morufu Olakunle – Representative, Medical/Forensics
· Mr. Abodunrin Mathew Adeyinka – Retired Military Personnel
· Mr. Abdulraheem Adekilekun – Media Officer to the Commission

A New Chapter for Osun State

As the panels commence their work, the people of Osun State watch with cautious hope. The administration of Governor Adeleke has staked its credibility on these inquiries, signaling that impunity will no longer be tolerated, regardless of the status or connections of those involved.

“May Almighty God guide the Panel with wisdom, courage and fairness,” the Attorney-General concluded. “May He comfort the bereaved families, heal the injured, restore peace to Ikire, and continue to protect Osun State.”

The inauguration of these panels marks a watershed moment in Osun State’s history—a declaration that the pursuit of truth and justice must transcend politics, ethnicity, and personal interest. The eyes of the nation are now fixed on Abere, awaiting the outcome of inquiries that could set a powerful precedent for accountability across Nigeria.