The Osun State Government has inaugurated two panels of inquiry to investigate the August 24 violence at the Naira and Kobo Junction Motor Park in Ikire and political violence recorded ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The panels were inaugurated on Wednesday at the Ministry of Justice Conference Hall in Abere by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, on behalf of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The Ikire panel will investigate the deaths of commercial bus driver Saheed Akinrole and another unidentified passenger, as well as the circumstances surrounding the incident and the alleged use of firearms.
Jimi-Bada stressed that the inquiries were aimed at establishing the truth and ensuring accountability.
“Let me state clearly that this inquiry is not a witch-hunt. 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”, he said.
The second panel will investigate killings, assaults, intimidation, arson, destruction of property, electoral disruption and other unlawful activities linked to the period leading to the governorship election.
It will also examine the possible involvement of political actors, security personnel, public officials, organisations and individuals in the violence.
The Attorney-General warned against attempts to interfere with the proceedings, urging witnesses and members of the public to provide relevant information.
“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,” he said.
He called on security agencies, hospitals, transport unions, community leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate with the panels and preserve relevant evidence.
Jimi-Bada also appealed for calm, particularly among victims’ families, political actors and residents of Ikire.
“Justice cannot thrive in an atmosphere of violence, intimidation or reprisal”, he emphasised.
He assured families of the victims that their concerns would be addressed, saying, “Your pain is recognised, and your voices will be heard”.
The panels are expected to establish the facts, determine responsibility and recommend appropriate legal, administrative or disciplinary action where necessary.
