The Ondo State Administrative Panel of Inquiry on the communal crisis in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area, has warned that any individual or group found culpable in actions that led to the crisis will be punished, irrespective of status or influence.
The warning was issued on Monday, the first day of public hearings by the panel’s chairman, Mr Idowu Mafimisebi, following the receipt of 58 memoranda from stakeholders and affected community groups.
Addressing participants at the sitting, Mafimisebi said preliminary engagements revealed that the crisis was deeper and more complex than earlier perceived, stressing that the panel was committed to uncovering both the remote and immediate causes of the unrest.
“Our intention is to bring to book whoever is found wanting in all the shenanigans that led to this crisis. We will not care whose ox is gored. Any person who contributed one way or the other to the breakdown of law and order will be held accountable,” the chairman declared.
He explained that the panel was constituted to ensure justice, fairness and lasting peace, urging residents of Idogun to remain calm and law-abiding while the inquiry is ongoing.
“We implore the people of Idogun to keep the peace and not take the law into their hands. Justice will be done, and at the end of the day, peace will return to the community,” Mafimisebi said.
The chairman further disclosed that although the panel was initially given six weeks to conclude its assignment, logistical challenges and the volume of memoranda submitted had already consumed nearly four weeks, making it necessary to consider requesting an extension.
“With the number of memoranda received and the depth of the issues raised, the matter is more deep-rooted than we earlier thought. We will do our best to conclude within the time given, but if necessary, we may request an extension from the government,” he added.
Mafimisebi assured all parties that the panel would conduct its work with honesty, firmness and thoroughness, promising an impartial outcome.
“People should expect justice. We will be sincere, tenacious and committed to finding out the exact causes of the problem in Idogun,” he said.
The sitting was witnessed by the traditional ruler of Idogun, the Onidogun, several chiefs, community leaders, and their legal representatives.
Speaking on behalf of the monarch, counsel to the Onidogun, Mr Bode Akinyemi, said Oba Moses Bakare and his subjects were fully cooperating with the panel and expressed confidence in the outcome of the inquiry.
“Our position is simple: we believe in due process. The traditional institution has nothing to hide and will continue to cooperate with the panel. We are confident that the truth will come out and justice will prevail,” Akinyemi said.
He also appealed to residents to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions in the community.
“This is not the time for self-help. Everyone should allow the panel to do its work so that peace can permanently return to Idogun,” he added.
Public hearings are expected to continue, after which the panel will compile its findings and recommendations for submission to the Ondo State Government.
