Barely two weeks before the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, traditional rulers across the state have stepped into the growing political atmosphere, holding a high-level meeting with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to chart a path towards a peaceful, free and credible poll.
The closed-door meeting, which lasted about five hours on Tuesday, brought together members of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers under the leadership of HIM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, with INEC Chairman, Prof. Ojo Amupitan, and his delegation joining the monarchs later to brief them on the commission’s level of preparedness for the crucial election.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting in a personal note shared on his official Facebook page, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke Ila, said the session was presided over by the Orangun of Ila Orangun, Oba Abdulwahaab Oyedotun Bibire and focused extensively on the worsening political tension in the state, particularly recent incidents of politically motivated violence that have raised concerns ahead of the governorship poll.
According to him, the monarchs expressed deep concern over what they described as the gradual erosion of the peaceful atmosphere Osun has long enjoyed, warning that political killings and acts of violence must not be allowed to define the state’s democratic process.
Before receiving the INEC delegation, the royal fathers unanimously resolved to remain neutral throughout the election period, insisting that every governorship candidate must be treated as a child of the traditional institution regardless of political affiliation.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting in a personal note shared on his official Facebook page, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke Ila, said the session was presided over by the Orangun of Ila Orangun, Oba Abdulwahaab Oyedotun Bibire and focused extensively on the worsening political tension in the state, particularly recent incidents of politically motivated violence that have raised concerns ahead of the governorship poll.
According to him, the monarchs expressed deep concern over what they described as the gradual erosion of the peaceful atmosphere Osun has long enjoyed, warning that political killings and acts of violence must not be allowed to define the state’s democratic process.
They maintained that palaces across Osun would remain open to all contestants and their supporters, stressing that traditional rulers must never become partisan actors.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, the monarchs recalled the crisis that followed the 1965 Western Region election, popularly remembered as Operation Wetie, noting that the violence eventually paved the way for military intervention and culminated in the country’s 30-month civil war between 1967 and 1970.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, the monarchs recalled the crisis that followed the 1965 Western Region election, popularly remembered as Operation Wetie, noting that the violence eventually paved the way for military intervention and culminated in the country’s 30-month civil war between 1967 and 1970.
They warned that neither Osun nor Nigeria could afford a repeat of such tragic experiences.
Following their deliberations, the royal fathers issued a four-point peace appeal. They urged INEC to conduct an election that would be free, fair, transparent and credible, insisting that every legitimate vote must count.
Following their deliberations, the royal fathers issued a four-point peace appeal. They urged INEC to conduct an election that would be free, fair, transparent and credible, insisting that every legitimate vote must count.
They also called on security agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with neutrality, professionalism and fairness while protecting lives and property throughout the electoral process.
Political parties and their candidates were equally admonished to pursue their ambitions without violence, reminding them that political offices are temporary but human lives are priceless.
Residents of the state were encouraged to come out peacefully on election day, safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards, reject thuggery, hate speech and electoral violence, and contribute to a peaceful democratic exercise.
During discussions with the electoral umpire, the monarchs reportedly challenged Professor Amupitan to leave behind a legacy of integrity by delivering a credible election that would earn him a worthy place in Nigeria’s electoral history.
During discussions with the electoral umpire, the monarchs reportedly challenged Professor Amupitan to leave behind a legacy of integrity by delivering a credible election that would earn him a worthy place in Nigeria’s electoral history.
They drew parallels with former electoral administrators, including Eyo Esua, Chief Michael Ani, Justice Ovie Whiskey and the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, noting that history would ultimately judge the success of every electoral umpire.
The intervention by the traditional rulers comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election, which is expected to be keenly contested by major political parties.
The intervention by the traditional rulers comes amid heightened political activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election, which is expected to be keenly contested by major political parties.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to prevent violence in parts of the state following isolated incidents that have heightened public anxiety.
Ending their deliberations with prayers, the monarchs reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, dialogue and the cherished Yoruba Omoluwabi values, while expressing hope that divine guidance would prevail over INEC, security agencies, political actors and the people of Osun to ensure a peaceful election and safeguard the state’s reputation as the heart of Yorubaland.
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