Adeleke to set up inquiry into Osun election killings, violence

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke says the state will set up an independent commission of inquiry after Saturday’s governorship election to investigate reported cases of extrajudicial killings and other violence linked to the election.

Adeleke made this known while speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Friday.

His speech was delivered by the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi.
The governor expressed sympathy to the families who lost loved ones during the violence and promised that the inquiry would begin immediately after the election.

“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 added, “Every life lost is an Osun life. Politics should never cost anyone his or her life, irrespective of political affiliation.”

Adeleke said the commission would investigate all reported killings and acts of violence connected to the election period and determine what happened in each case.

He said, “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.”

The governor also said his administration would create a support and compensation framework for the families of victims.

He promised that the victims would be properly honoured, stressing that the election would end but the people of Osun would remain united.

“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 cases of killings and other violence in recent months, with suspected cult groups allegedly linked to political actors in the state.