Ooni, INEC Call For Peace Ahead Of Osun Governorship Election

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have called for peaceful, free and credible elections ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship poll.

The appeal came during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife, where the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, sought the support of traditional institutions in promoting peaceful participation in the electoral process.

Babalola urged eligible voters to collect and use their Permanent Voter Cards, warning against vote-buying and stressing that elections should be conducted peacefully and transparently.

Responding, the Ooni pledged the support of the traditional institution, urging political actors and youths to reject violence and place peace above politics. He also encouraged INEC to remain professional, transparent and impartial in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

Meanwhile, political and civic groups have intensified activities ahead of the election. A civil society group urged INEC to complement its preparations with greater transparency, particularly in areas identified as election flashpoints.

In separate political developments, the Ogiyan of Ejigboland endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term, citing ongoing development projects in the area, while a coalition of Muslim stakeholders and the League of Alfas in Osun State endorsed the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Munirudeen Oyebamiji.

The Muslim coalition also called on all political parties to shun violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process.