Ife crisis: Aregbesola inaugurates commission of inquiry

Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has again reiterated the commitment of his administration to the promotion of communal peace in the state, just as he called for cooperation with security agencies in the process of unraveling those behind the March 8 mayhem in Ile-Ife.

The Governor stated this in a speech shortly after inaugurating a five man judicial commission of enquiry into the disturbance of public peace in Ile-Ife on March 8.

Members of the commission who have been given four weeks to work are: Justice M.A Adeigbe who is the chairman, Mrs. Bose Dawodu DCP (rtd), Barrister Ismail Ajibade, the State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of DSS and Mr. Bisi Babalola who will act as the secretary.

The Governor charged the commission to investigate and determine the remote and immediate causes of the disturbance, identify the perpetrators and extent of their involvement, determine the extent of injury suffered by any individual or group.

They were also mandated to recommend appropriate civil or criminal action to be taken against the perpetrators, make appropriate suggestions to the State Government towards the prevention of future occurrence and also recommend appropriate monetary sum as compensation(s) for damages or injuries that may have been suffered by any individual or group of individuals in respect of matters received by it.

According to the governor, “you have four weeks to carry out this assignment. The report that small arms and light weapons were deployed freely during the crisis was disturbing and frightening.

“It has implication for security of lives and property and the potential for more conflicts beyond the immediate theatre of war, if not nipped in the bud.

“I want you to look into this. The sources and the current location of these arms and their custodians should be investigated and determined. They should all be recovered.

“There are also reports that cultists who have no regard for human lives were recruited into the mayhem for a fee. This is most disheartening. Please investigate this and unearth the roles they played and let the law be applied without fear or favour.

“I charge this commission to be courageous and fearless. Undertake this assignment with all seriousness and the fear of God. You should pursue the truth and not fear where it will lead to.

“We want justice for all, like Martin Luther King Jr, once said, ‘Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream’, to the victims and the perpetrators alike, as I wish you success on this crucial assignment.” He said.

The Governor warned against pre-empting of the outcome of on going investigation, saying it will be prejudicial to the efforts of the law enforcement agencies; he, however, expressed confidence that the crisis is not an inter-ethnic, inter religious or inter regional conflict.

He described the mayhem as just an ugly development, a breach of public peace, masterminded by hoodlums and criminals which resulted into loss of lives and property.

In his response, Chairman of the judicial commission of inquiry, Hon. Justice Moshood Adeigbe who thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the people of Osun, promised that the commission will discharge its job without fear or favour.