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Governor Adeleke establishes Commission of Inquiry into pre-election violence


By: Ismaeel Aleem

Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke has signed an Executive Order creating a Commission of Inquiry to investigate incidents of violence and other unlawful activities reported across the state in the period leading up to the 15 August 2026 governorship election.

The commission will examine the circumstances surrounding reported killings, assaults, intimidation, threats, arson, destruction of property, electoral disruption and the unlawful possession or use of weapons before the poll.

The governor’s decision follows reports, petitions and complaints alleging incidents that caused deaths and injuries, displaced residents, damaged properties and generated fear among voters as well as concern among political stakeholders, civil society organisations and the wider public.

Retired Honourable Justice Abdulkareem will chair the commission, with Mr Biodun Badiora serving as secretary. Other members are Mr Moses Faremi (Ministry of Justice), Maruf Adediran Esq (Osun State chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association), Comrade (Dr) Waheed Lawal (civil society organisations), AIG (Dr) Aderanti C. Kayode (rtd) (security expert), Dr Adeyemi Aboderin (Osun State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists), Azeez Morufu Olakunle (medical/forensic representative) and Abodunrin Mathew Adeyinka (retired military personnel). Mr Abdulraheem Adekilekun is media officer to the commission.

‎Among its key responsibilities, the panel will trace the causes and circumstances of the violence and determine any involvement by political actors, security personnel, public officers, organisations or other individuals and groups.
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‎It will identify persons affected, document 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 criminal, civil, administrative or disciplinary action. It may also propose compensation, medical assistance, rehabilitation and other support for victims and the families of those who died.

The commission is empowered to invite witnesses, obtain official records and other materials, inspect relevant locations and hold public proceedings where appropriate. It may recommend urgent measures to preserve evidence, protect lives and prevent further violence.

Victims, affected residents, political parties, candidates, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, journalists, civil society organisations and members of the public with relevant information are invited to make submissions.

‎The commission must submit its report within 90 days of its first sitting, subject to any extension approved by the governor.
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‎Its findings are expected to guide recommendations on sanctions, compensation and measures to prevent a recurrence of electoral violence in Osun State.

The Osun State Government said the initiative forms part of 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 receive proper scrutiny.

The Executive Order is to take effect on 1 September 2026

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