The Osun State Commission of Inquiry on Disturbance of Public Peace has commenced its assignment with 10 petitions arising from various disputes across the state.
The petitions, which border on chieftaincy matters, land disputes and other disagreements capable of threatening public peace, were disclosed on Monday during the commission’s inaugural sitting at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Osun State Secretariat, Abere.
The sitting brought together petitioners, respondents, lawyers and other interested parties as the commission formally began its investigation into matters that could fuel tension and conflict across the state.
The Chairman of the commission, Justice Adekunle Adeigbe (retd.), assured all parties that the proceedings would be guided by fairness, impartiality and due process.
Adeigbe explained that the commission was not a court and would not have the final say on the disputes brought before it.
He said its responsibility was “to thoroughly investigate the issues presented and subsequently transmit its report and recommendations to the Osun State Executive Council for consideration and appropriate action.”
The chairman urged petitioners and respondents to have confidence in the process, assuring them that all parties would be given the opportunity to present their cases and receive a fair hearing.
He also appealed to stakeholders to allow the commission to carry out its assignment without interference, stressing that its proceedings would be guided by the terms of reference under which it was established.
According to a statement signed by the Information Officer of the Ministry of Justice, Ope Bello, the inaugural sitting marked the formal commencement of the commission’s investigation into disputes and other issues relating to disturbances of public peace across Osun.
The commission’s secretary, Philips Afolayan, had earlier invited members of the public, particularly lawyers and their clients who submitted memoranda, rejoinders and replies, to attend the sitting.
The commission was inaugurated by Governor Ademola Adeleke as part of efforts to address recurring disputes, violence, killings and threats to communal harmony in the state.
While inaugurating the panel, Adeleke charged its members to approach the assignment with courage, impartiality and integrity.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, urged the commission to treat all parties fairly, shun favouritism and allow evidence to guide its findings.
Adeleke also urged the members to remain within the provisions of the law as they work towards producing recommendations capable of helping the state prevent future conflicts and strengthen peaceful coexistence among its communities.