The panel, constituted through an Executive Order that takes effect on August 31, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident at Naira and Kobo Junction and the Motor Park/Garage Area.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
The panel, chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, is mandated to establish the identities and number of victims, determine the immediate and underlying causes of the violence, and examine whether any individual or group bears criminal responsibility for the deaths.
It will also investigate the involvement of security personnel and determine whether live ammunition or other weapons were used, as well as whether their deployment complied with applicable laws, rules of engagement and human rights standards.
The inquiry will examine the conduct of individuals or groups whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the incident, including security personnel, political actors, transport union members, public officials and other relevant persons.
The panel is empowered to summon witnesses, obtain police and medical records, inspect the scene and other relevant locations, and receive oral and documentary evidence.
It may also recommend criminal prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Governor Adeleke has directed relevant authorities to preserve evidence that could assist the investigation, including firearms and ammunition records, police station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other materials connected to the incident.
The Executive Order further provides for measures to protect witnesses and families of victims from intimidation or retaliation, while requiring the collection of medical and forensic evidence.
The Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Osun State Commissioner of Police have also been requested to take appropriate interim administrative measures concerning any police officer whose continued operational command could compromise the inquiry or undermine public confidence.
Other members of the panel are retired AIG Dr Aderanti C. Kayode; Dele Akintayo; a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association; Comrade Wale Balogun, representing civil society organisations; an Ikire community representative; and Dr Babatunde Afolabi, who will serve as the medical and forensic representative.
Abiodun Badiora will serve as the secretary of the panel.
The panel is expected to commence its proceedings within seven days of inauguration and submit its report to the Osun State Government within 30 days 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 persons with relevant information to submit memoranda and evidence to the panel.
Adeleke assured residents of Ikire and the wider public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, fairly and transparently.
He further stated that anyone found culpable would not be shielded from justice because of political connections, official position, influence or institutional affiliation.
The government, however, emphasised that all allegations would remain allegations until established through credible evidence before the panel.
