Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has pledged to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate reported Osun political killings and other acts of violence linked to the election period.
The governor made the commitment while consoling families who lost relatives during the violence. His statement was delivered by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi. Adeleke said the proposed inquiry would investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents and ensure that anyone found culpable faces justice.
According to the governor, the Independent Commission of Inquiry will be constituted on the Monday immediately after the election. He said the commission would investigate reported killings and violent incidents connected with the electoral period, irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved.
“Every life lost is an Osun life. Politics should never cost anyone his or her life, irrespective of political affiliation,” Adeleke said.
He stressed that no political ambition should be pursued at the expense of human life. The governor said the commission would establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents and recommend appropriate measures to ensure accountability.
“The Commission will establish the circumstances surrounding these incidents and recommend appropriate actions to ensure that everyone responsible is brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation, position or influence,” he said.
Adeleke also announced plans to establish a support framework for families affected by the violence. He said the government would work towards compensating families who lost loved ones and ensuring that the victims’ memories were properly honoured.
“The Government will also 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,” he said.
The governor extended his condolences to families mourning relatives killed during the election period. He maintained that the political contest would eventually end, but the people of Osun would continue to live together as one community.
Adeleke urged residents to look beyond political divisions and focus on preserving peace across the state. “The election will come and go, but we will remain one people,” he said.
According to him, the victims of the violence deserve justice, while their families deserve compassion and support from the government.
“We owe the dead justice, their families compassion, and the people of Osun a peaceful future,” the governor added. The proposed inquiry is expected to examine reported cases of Osun political killings and other election-related violence, with the governor promising that findings would guide further action against those found responsible.
