…Promises Compensation For Victims’ Families
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced that his administration will constitute an independent commission of inquiry immediately after Saturday’s governorship election to investigate reported cases of extrajudicial killings and other acts of violence connected with the election period.
Adeleke disclosed this while addressing journalists in Osogbo on Friday, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi.
The governor said the commission would be constituted on Monday, August 17, 2026, two days after the governorship election, and would be mandated to investigate all reported killings and violent incidents linked to the political activities surrounding the poll.
He expressed condolences to families who had lost relatives during incidents of violence in the state, stressing that political differences should never result in the loss of lives.
“The Osun State Government expresses its deepest condolences to the families of all persons who have tragically lost their lives in incidents of violence during this election period,” Adeleke said.
“Every life lost is an Osun life. Politics should never cost anyone his or her life, irrespective of political affiliation.”
The governor said the proposed commission would establish the circumstances surrounding each reported killing and violent incident and recommend appropriate action against anyone found responsible.
“The government under my watch wishes to assure the people of Osun State that next week Monday, immediately after the election, an Independent Commission of Inquiry will be constituted to investigate all reported killings and acts of violence connected with this election period,” he said.
“The commission will establish the circumstances surrounding these incidents and recommend appropriate actions to ensure that everyone responsible is brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation, position or influence.”
Adeleke also announced that his administration would develop a framework to support and compensate families of persons who lost their lives during the violence.
He said the victims would also be appropriately honoured, maintaining that the government had a responsibility to ensure justice for the dead and provide support to their families.
“The memories of all victims will be appropriately honoured. The election will come and go, but we will remain one people. We owe the dead justice, their families compassion, and the people of Osun a peaceful future,” the governor said.
Some of the incidents have been linked in public allegations to suspected cult groups and political actors, although responsibility for individual cases remains subject to investigation and determination by the appropriate authorities.
Some of the incidents have been linked in public allegations to suspected cult groups and political actors, although responsibility for individual cases remains subject to investigation and determination by the appropriate authorities.
Adeleke said the proposed independent inquiry would examine the circumstances surrounding the incidents rather than shield any individual or group on account of political affiliation, position or influence.
The governor maintained that irrespective of the outcome of Saturday’s election, residents of the state would continue to live together and should therefore prioritise peace, justice and reconciliation.