By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Standing Commission of Inquiry on Disturbance of Public Peace has commenced its inaugural sitting, receiving 10 memoranda from petitioners across the state.
The hearing, held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Osun State Government Secretariat, Abere, was attended by petitioners, respondents, legal representatives and other interested parties.
The memoranda submitted to the Commission covered a range of disputes, including chieftaincy matters, land-related disagreements and other issues considered capable of threatening public peace in various communities across the state.
Speaking at the inaugural sitting, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe (Rtd.), assured all parties of the Commission’s commitment to fairness, impartiality and due process.
Adeigbe explained that the Commission was not the final authority on the matters before it, noting that its responsibility was to investigate the issues thoroughly and make appropriate recommendations.
According to him, the Commission would, after completing its investigations, transmit its report and recommendations to the Osun State Executive Council for consideration and necessary action.
He urged petitioners and respondents to have confidence in the process, assuring them that every party appearing before the Commission would be given adequate opportunity to present their case.
The Chairman also called on all parties and stakeholders to allow the Commission to discharge its mandate without interference.
He said the proceedings would be conducted strictly in accordance with the terms of reference under which the Commission was established.
The inaugural sitting formally marked the commencement of the Commission’s assignment to investigate disputes and other issues relating to disturbances of public peace across Osun State.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Commission, Mr Philips Afolayan, had invited members of the public, particularly lawyers and their clients who had submitted memoranda, rejoinders and replies, to attend the inaugural sitting.
The Commission is expected to continue its hearings as it considers the various petitions and disputes brought before it.
