Osun peace commission receives 10 petitions at inaugural sitting

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The Osun State Commission of Inquiry on Disturbance of Public Peace on Monday disclosed that it had received 10 petitions arising from different disputes across the state.

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The commission made this known during its inaugural sitting held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Osun State Government Secretariat, Abere.

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The sitting was attended by petitioners, respondents, lawyers and other interested parties.

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A statement signed by the Information Officer, Ministry of Justice, Ope Bello, said the commission’s chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeigbe (retd.), disclosed that the petitions bordered on chieftaincy matters, land disputes and other disagreements capable of disturbing public peace in the state.

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Adeigbe, however, assured the petitioners and respondents of the commission’s commitment to fairness, impartiality and due process throughout the proceedings.

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He explained that the commission did not have the final say on the matters before it, stressing that its responsibility “is to thoroughly investigate the issues presented and subsequently transmit its report and recommendations to the Osun State Executive Council for consideration and appropriate action.”

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The chairman urged the parties appearing before the commission to have confidence in the process, assuring them that every petitioner and respondent would be accorded a fair hearing.

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He also emphasised the importance of allowing the commission to carry out its mandate without interference, noting that the proceedings would be conducted in accordance with the terms of reference establishing it.

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The statement further read, “The inaugural sitting marked the formal commencement of the commission’s assignment to investigate disputes and other matters relating to disturbance of public peace across Osun State.

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“The Commission Secretary, Philips Afolayan, had earlier invited members of the public, particularly lawyers and their clients who had submitted memoranda, rejoinders and replies, to attend the inaugural sitting.”

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Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier inaugurated the commission with the mandate to investigate disturbances of public peace across the state as part of efforts to curb recurring violence, killings and threats to communal harmony.

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At the inauguration, Adeleke charged members of the commission to carry out their assignment with courage, impartiality and integrity.

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He also urged them to remain fair to all parties, fear no one and avoid favouritism in the discharge of their duties.

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Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, the governor stressed the need for the commission to allow evidence to guide its findings while operating strictly within the provisions of the law.

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