OSOGBO — The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) and ordered a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the killings, shootings, injuries and violence reported at Naira and Kobo Junction, Motor Park/Garage Area, Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area.


The two decisions were contained in separate government announcements issued by the Osun State Government.


Under the new composition of the university’s Governing Council, Sooko (Prof.) Adewale Abiodun Oladipo has been appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council.


Other members of the council are Mrs Oludayo Olawale Abolade; Alhaji Gbadegesin Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Otunba Titi Laoye-Ponnle; Mr Akinola Franklin Omoniyi; Chief Funminiyi Awotide; Mr Orija Samuel Adebayo; and Mrs Adewale Adetayo Bola.


The inauguration of the new Governing Council is scheduled for 12 noon on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Osogbo.


Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the violence that occurred at Naira and Kobo Junction in Ikire on August 24, 2026.


According to the order, the panel is mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the identities and number of victims, establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence and examine whether criminal responsibility may be connected to the deaths.


Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola has been appointed Chairman of the Coroner Inquest/Panel, while Mr Abiodun Badiora will serve as 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, who will serve as the Medical/Forensic Representative.


The panel is expected to examine the circumstances leading to the shootings and killings, including the role of security operatives. It will also determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether such use complied with applicable laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.


It is further 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 necessary, the panel may recommend prosecution, disciplinary action, compensation for victims and institutional reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.


To facilitate its investigation, the panel has been empowered to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records, inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence, and recommend measures to protect witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation.


Governor Adeleke 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 directed appropriate measures to protect witnesses and victims’ families, 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 have also been 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 Osun State Government within 30 days from the date of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.


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


Governor 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 Executive Order stated that no person found culpable would be shielded from justice, irrespective of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation. It, however, stressed that all allegations remain allegations until established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel.