Osun APC, state government argue over credibility of commission of inquiry panel

The Osun State Government has inaugurated a Commission of Inquiry to investigate disturbances of public peace across the state last week, while the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, rejected the panel, questioning its credibility and impartiality.

The commission, chaired by retired Justice Adekunle Adeigbe, was inaugurated at the Government House in Osogbo by Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi on behalf of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The panel was sworn in to investigate the causes of recent security disturbances and recommend measures to restore lasting peace.

Representing the governor, Adewusi described the assignment as vital to the state’s stability, urging the commission to carry out its work diligently and without fear or favour.

He said the panel’s findings should be guided by truth, facts, and justice and not sentiment, not pressure.

He added: “The government is committed to peace because without peace, there can be no development. We expect recommendations that will not only address what has happened, but also prevent future occurrences across all communities, towns, and villages in Osun.”

The Deputy governor also assured the commission of the government’s full support, including logistics, security and access to relevant agencies and official documents required for its assignment.

In his acceptance speech, Justice Adeigbe thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in the commission and pledged that its members would discharge their responsibilities with integrity, fairness and commitment to the rule of law.

“We promise to approach this task with the fear of God, fairness to all parties, and commitment to the rule of law. We will listen to all sides. We will follow the evidence wherever it leads. We will not betray this trust,” he said.

However, the Osun APC dismissed the commission, saying it had no confidence in a kangaroo commission of enquiry established by a governor seeking re-election ahead of the next governorship poll.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party argued that although commissions of enquiry are constitutionally recognised, the timing of the panel’s inauguration had raised questions about its motive and credibility.

The APC alleged that “Governor Adeleke had already prejudged the outcome by blaming the opposition for the state’s political violence before the conclusion of police investigations, insisting that such actions undermined confidence in the commission.”

The opposition claimed that several of its members had been killed in politically related attacks over recent years and urged the commission to investigate those incidents alongside other cases of violence in the state.

It also called on the panel to “examine allegations concerning public officials and individuals who have made inflammatory statements or were linked to violent activities. Some suspects had been appointed into government positions.”

The APC criticised the composition of the commission, arguing that it lacked sufficient transparency.

The inauguration of the commission comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the next governorship election on August 15, with both the state government and the opposition insisting on their commitment to peace while disagreeing sharply over the credibility and purpose of the enquiry panel.