Governor Makinde Inaugurates Judicial Panel to Probe Oriire School Abduction, Gives Four-Week Deadline
Oyo State Governor, engineer Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated an eight-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction of pupils and teachers at Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
The commission, chaired by Professor Mojeed Owoade, was inaugurated on Friday at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Makinde said the establishment of the independent panel was not intended to undermine the work of security agencies but to ensure that every lesson from the unfortunate incident is learnt, every question is answered and the true circumstances surrounding the abduction are established.
The governor said the commission has been mandated to establish the facts surrounding the incident, identify any institutional or operational lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy and recommend practical measures to strengthen the security of schools and communities against future occurrences.
He directed the commission to submit its report within four weeks but noted that it could request additional time if necessary to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the course of its investigation.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the inauguration, the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mojeed Owoade, expressed confidence in the calibre of members appointed to serve on the panel, assuring the public that the commission would conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
Other members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry are Professor Jibril Ibrahim, Mrs. Ayo Ọ̀bẹ, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ngozi Onadeko, Mr. Abimbola Orogade, retired Major General Sanusi Muazu, Mr. Folorunsho Osunrayi, while Mrs. Olamide Sandra Tella will serve as Secretary to the Commission.