Adeleke: Osun Inquiry Not to Witch-Hunt Over Electoral Violence

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, says the Commission of Inquiry into alleged electoral violence in the state is not intended to witch-hunt or persecute any individual, political party or organisation.

Adeleke made this known on Wednesday in Osogbo while inaugurating the commission alongside a coroner’s inquest into killings reported in Ikire. Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), he said the inquiry was established to investigate reports and petitions concerning violence, intimidation, assault, property destruction, unlawful possession of weapons and other breaches of public peace before and after the governorship election.

According to the governor, the commission will establish the facts, identify affected persons and determine responsibility based on credible evidence. It is also expected to examine the roles of political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders, assess damages and investigate the immediate and remote causes of the incidents.

Adeleke said the exercise reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, accountability, peace and the rule of law, stressing that anyone found culpable based on credible evidence would not be shielded. He added that the commission would recommend measures to prevent a recurrence of electoral violence in Osun State.