Osun Govt Sets Up Panel To Probe Election Violence, Unlawful Acts

 

The Osun State Government has inaugurated a Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged incidents of violence and other unlawful activities reported across the state before and after the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The commission was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, SAN, on behalf of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Jimi-Bada said the panel was constituted in response to reports, petitions and public concerns over alleged cases of violence, intimidation, assault, destruction of property, unlawful possession or use of weapons, breach of public peace and other unlawful activities linked to the election period.

According to him, the government has a responsibility to ensure that allegations of unlawful conduct are properly investigated and that justice is pursued in line with the law.

“Elections are the foundation of democracy. Citizens must be able to participate freely and peacefully in the democratic process without fear, intimidation or violence.

“Where allegations of unlawful conduct arise, government has a duty to ensure that the facts are carefully examined and that justice is pursued in accordance with the law,” he stated.

The Attorney-General described the establishment of the Commission as a demonstration of the Adeleke administration’s commitment to justice, accountability, public order, peace and the rule of law.

He, however, clarified that the exercise was not a witch-hunt, stressing that the panel was not established to persecute any person, political party, candidate, group, public officer or security agency.

“It is a lawful fact-finding body established to ascertain the truth, identify persons who may have been affected, determine responsibility where supported by credible evidence, and recommend measures to strengthen public peace and prevent any recurrence of unlawful conduct,” Jimi-Bada said.

He added that the Commission was not intended to shield anyone from accountability, saying credible evidence of wrongdoing should lead to firm, fair and lawful recommendations.

The panel is expected to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the alleged incidents, identify persons or groups involved where evidence permits, ascertain those affected, examine damage to property and review the roles of political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders.

It is also expected to receive memoranda, petitions, oral and written evidence, documents, photographs, videos and other relevant materials from petitioners, witnesses, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, journalists, traditional institutions and members of the public.

Jimi-Bada urged members of the Commission to conduct their proceedings with fairness, independence and transparency while respecting the principles of natural justice.

He said all allegations must be carefully examined, stressing that the Commission’s findings must be based strictly on evidence, law and justice.