Adeleke: Election Violence Probe Seeks Justice, Not Vendetta

By Blessing Fali

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said the commission of inquiry set up to investigate alleged violence and other unlawful activities surrounding the recent governorship election is aimed at finding the truth and ensuring justice, not witch-hunting anyone.

Adeleke stated this during the inauguration of the commission of inquiry into pre and post-election violence in the state, as well as a coroner’s inquest into reported killings in Ikire.

The governor, represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, said the inquiry was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents and determine what happened based on credible evidence.

He explained that the commission would examine allegations of violence, intimidation, assault, destruction of property, unlawful possession or use of weapons and other offences linked to the election period.

Adeleke stressed that the panel was not created to target any individual, political party, candidate, public officer or security agency.

He said elections remained an important part of democracy and that citizens should be able to participate without fear, intimidation or violence.

The governor added that the government had a responsibility to investigate allegations of wrongdoing and ensure that anyone found responsible was held accountable according to the law.

He urged members of the commission to carry out their duties fairly, independently and objectively, stressing that their findings should be based on facts and credible evidence.

Adeleke also said the commission would investigate the causes of the reported violence, identify those involved where evidence supports such findings and assess the damage caused during the incidents.

He assured residents that the process would be transparent and focused on justice rather than political persecution.

The governor called on victims, witnesses and other residents with useful information to cooperate with the commission and provide relevant evidence that could assist the investigation.