Adeleke Sets Up Commission To Probe Pre-Election Violence In Osun

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has signed an Executive Order establishing a Commission of Inquiry to investigate incidents of violence and other unlawful activities reported across the state ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The commission is expected to probe reported cases of killings, assaults, intimidation, threats, arson, destruction of property, electoral disruption and unlawful possession or use of weapons during the period leading to the election.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

According to the statement, the establishment of the commission followed reports, petitions and complaints concerning incidents that allegedly resulted in deaths and injuries, displacement of residents, destruction of property and heightened fear among voters, political stakeholders, civil society organisations and members of the public.

The commission will be chaired by retired Justice Abdulkareem, while Mr Biodun Badiora will serve as Secretary.

Other members are Mr Moses Faremi, representing the Ministry of Justice; Mr Maruf Adediran, representing the Nigerian Bar Association and Chairman of the Osogbo NBA; Comrade (Dr) Waheed Lawal, representing civil society organisations; and retired AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode, a security expert.

Others are Dr Adeyemi Aboderin, representing the media and the Osun State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ); Mr Azeez Morufu Olakunle, medical/forensic representative; and Mr Abodunrin Mathew Adeyinka, representing retired military personnel.

Mr Abdulraheem Adekilekun will serve as the commission’s media officer.

The commission has been mandated to investigate the causes and circumstances surrounding the reported violence and determine whether political actors, security personnel, public officers, organisations, individuals or groups were involved.

It will also identify persons affected by the incidents, document the extent of damage to public and private property, and examine the conduct of political parties, candidates, campaign organisations, supporters, security agencies and other stakeholders during the period under review.

Where culpability is established, the commission may recommend appropriate criminal, civil, administrative or disciplinary action against those found responsible.

It may also recommend compensation, medical assistance, rehabilitation and other forms of support for victims and families of deceased persons.

The commission is empowered to invite witnesses, obtain official records and other relevant materials, inspect locations connected with the incidents and conduct public proceedings where necessary.

It may also recommend urgent measures to preserve evidence, protect lives and prevent further violence.

The Executive Order also calls on victims, affected residents, political parties, candidates, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, journalists, civil society organisations and members of the public with relevant information to make submissions to the commission.

The commission is expected to submit its report within 90 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the Governor.

Its findings are expected to guide recommendations on sanctions, compensation and measures to prevent a recurrence of electoral violence in the state.

The Osun State Government said the initiative underscores its commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening democratic values, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that incidents capable of threatening peace and public confidence in the electoral process are properly investigated.

The Executive Order establishing the Commission of Inquiry takes effect from September 1, 2026.