Ebenezer Adurokiya and Micheal Chukwuebuka Reporting From Osogbo
OSOGBO — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced plans to constitute an independent commission of inquiry immediately after tomorrow’s governorship election to investigate reported cases of extrajudicial killings and other acts of violence recorded during the electioneering period.
The state has witnessed several alleged extrajudicial killings in the build‑up to the Saturday polls, with suspected hoodlums believed to be operating under the influence or protection of political actors, according to reports.
Addressing newsmen in Osogbo on Friday, the Governor expressed his condolences to the families of victims of election‑related violence. He was represented at the briefing by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who reiterated the government’s determination to ensure accountability.
“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,” the Governor said. “Every life lost is an Osun life. Politics should never cost anyone his or her life, irrespective of political affiliation.”
Governor Adeleke assured the people of Osun that the inquiry would be established promptly after the polls.
“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 stated.
He added that the commission would establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents and recommend appropriate actions to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice, “regardless of political affiliation, position or influence.”
The Governor also pledged that the government would put in place a framework to support and compensate the families of those who lost their lives.
“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,” he concluded.
