Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced plans to establish an independent commission of inquiry into reported killings and other acts of violence linked to the state’s governorship election.
Adeleke made the announcement on Friday while addressing journalists in Osogbo, a day before voters head to the polls to elect the next governor. His statement was delivered by the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi.
The governor expressed condolences to families who have lost relatives during the violence reported across the state in the build-up to the election. He said the inquiry would begin immediately after the election and would investigate reported cases of extrajudicial killings and other election-related violence.
“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.
He stressed that political differences should never result in the loss of lives, regardless of the political affiliation of those involved. The governor said every reported killing would be examined to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to Adeleke, the commission will also identify those responsible and recommend appropriate action. He said the investigation would apply to everyone involved, regardless of political connections, public office or influence.
The governor further announced plans for a support and compensation framework for families affected by the violence. He said the victims would be properly honoured and their relatives supported as the state works to address the consequences of the election-related violence.
“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,” he said.
Osun has recorded several reported incidents of killings and violence in the months leading to Saturday’s governorship election. Allegations have also emerged over the involvement of suspected cult groups in politically linked violence, although such claims remain subject to investigation.
The proposed inquiry is expected to provide a formal platform for examining the reported incidents and determining whether individuals or groups should face prosecution. It also comes amid heightened calls for political parties, security agencies and supporters to ensure that the election does not lead to further violence.
