Ooni, INEC Rally Against Electoral Violence Ahead of Osun Governorship Election

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional institution to promoting peaceful coexistence and discouraging electoral violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The monarch gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola and members of her management team at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.

The visit formed part of INEC's ongoing stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders to ensure the conduct of peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.

Speaking during the visit, Babalola commended the Ooni for his efforts in promoting peace and stability across Osun State and the South-West, describing him as a dependable partner in advancing democratic values.

She appealed for the continued support of the traditional institution in encouraging peaceful participation in the electoral process.

"As we prepare for another electoral cycle, we have come to seek Your Imperial Majesty's continued royal support, prayers and blessings. Your influence remains invaluable in fostering peace and encouraging responsible civic participation among our people," she said.

The REC reminded voters that elections are a democratic process rather than a contest of violence, urging eligible residents to collect and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) responsibly.

"Election is not war. It is a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders. We urge all eligible voters to come out and vote peacefully," she said.

Babalola also warned against vote-buying, stressing that selling votes undermines democracy and weakens accountability.

She reaffirmed INEC's commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections that reflect the will of the electorate.

Responding, the Ooni assured the commission of the traditional institution's full support, stressing that peace remains the foundation of democratic governance and sustainable development.

"We are on the same page with INEC. We will continue to advocate peaceful coexistence in our communities and encourage our youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence," the monarch said.

He urged INEC to remain professional, transparent and impartial in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, while calling on political actors and supporters to place peace above partisan interests.

"We do not want bloodshed. We reject political violence in all its forms. Let our elections be peaceful, credible and acceptable to all," the Ooni added.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Civil Society Matters Directorate of the Imole Campaign Council, Funmiso Babarinde, urged INEC to complement its preparations with greater transparency and sustained engagement with stakeholders.

He commended the commission for identifying 385 electoral flashpoints and more than 200 difficult terrains ahead of the election, describing the early assessment as a proactive step toward ensuring a peaceful poll.

Babarinde, however, called on INEC to disclose the affected local government areas and communities where security considerations permit, saying such information would help political parties, security agencies, election observers and civil society organisations strengthen voter education, improve logistics and support conflict-prevention efforts

Political endorsements also continued ahead of the election.

The Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonunola Oyeyode Oyesosin, endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke's re-election bid during the commissioning of road projects in Ejigbo, citing infrastructure delivered by the state government in the area.

The monarch expressed appreciation for the projects executed in the community and pledged support for the governor's second-term ambition.

Also, a coalition of Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and the League of Alfas in Osun State endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Munirudeen Oyebamiji.

The group said its decision followed an assessment of the leading candidates and urged politicians across party lines to reject violence and conduct issue-based campaigns.

The coalition also called for fairness and inclusiveness in the state's political leadership while condemning recent incidents of political violence and reiterating the sanctity of human life.