Osun election violence probe not to witch-hunt anyone — Adeleke
September 2, 2026 7:10 pm
Governor Ademola Adeleke during the press conference after he was declared as Osun State Governor.
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said the Commission of Inquiry that will investigate alleged incidents of violence and other unlawful activities reported in the state before the last governorship poll was not meant to witch-hunt or persecute any individual or party.
The governor said the reason behind the commission was to ascertain the truth, identify persons who may have been affected, and determine responsibility supported by credible evidence.
Adeleke also said the commission will recommend measures to strengthen public peace and prevent recurrence of unlawful conduct in the state.
He made the disclosure in Osogbo on Wednesday while inaugurating the Commission on pre-governorship election violence in the state, alongside the coroner inquest on killings that occurred in Ikire town in Osun State.
Represented by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), the governor explained that the Commission was constituted in response to reports, petitions and public concerns alleging acts of violence, intimidation, assault, destruction of property, unlawful possession or use of weapons, breach of public peace and other unlawful activities that occurred before and after the election.
“The Commission is not to witch-hunt, not set up to persecute any person, political party, candidate, group, public officer or security agency. 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.
He described the establishment of the Commission as “a clear demonstration of this administration’s commitment to justice, accountability, public order, peace and the rule of law,” adding that the Commission was not meant to shield anyone from being accountable for his or her actions.
He also noted that where credible evidence confirmed wrongdoing, the panel will make firm, fair and lawful recommendations.
He charged the Commission to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the alleged incidents, identify persons or groups involved where evidence permits, ascertain persons affected, examine any damage to property, and review the roles of political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders.
The PUNCH reports that Adeleke in the state broadcast marking 35th Osun creation anniversary announced the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into the electoral violence, saying it would receive memoranda from victims and residents affected by the incidents.
“Our administration is setting up a Commission of Inquiry on election violence. The body will take memoranda from all victims and residents who are affected by recent electoral violence,” he said.
“This initiative is to identify the causes and remedies and proffer ways to stop such recurrence in the future,” Adeleke said.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]