Ooni of Ife calls for peace ahead of Osun governorship election

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called for peace and unity as the Osun State governorship election approaches on August 15. The appeal was made through a statement issued by the Ooni's Palace.

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Ile-Ife remains the source and ancestral home of the Yoruba people. Politics in modern Nigeria has a rich history that also has strong roots in Ile-Ife.

Represented by the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Oba Adekole Adeyeye, the Ooni met with leaders of the African Democratic Congress, including its National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola and governorship candidate Najeem Salaam. During the meeting, Oba Ogunwusi emphasized his commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence regardless of political party. He highlighted Ile-Ife's status as the spiritual and historical heart of the Yoruba people.

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The late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi served as Governor of the old Western Region, and his remarkable contributions are felt not only in Ile-Ife but throughout Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. Since he left office, Ile-Ife has not experienced the level of development that befits its status as the cradle of the Yoruba race.

The Ooni expressed a desire for successive governments to prioritize the development of Ile-Ife, noting that despite its historical importance, it has not received adequate attention. He drew parallels with other ethnic groups' regard for their ancestral centers, like the Hausa for Sokoto and the Igbo for Enugu, urging the Yoruba to ensure their source city is developed.

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The Hausa people regard Sokoto as their source, and today Sokoto continues to enjoy significant development. The Igbo people hold Enugu in high esteem as one of their historic centres, and its growth is evident. We, as Yoruba, who acknowledge Ile-Ife as our source, must collectively ensure that this ancient city receives the attention and development it deserves.

Furthermore, Oba Ogunwusi cautioned politicians and their followers to conduct themselves peacefully during the electioneering period. He urged them to shun violence and bloodshed, emphasizing that elections should not divide people or lead to loss of life. He encouraged peaceful campaigns and the free exercise of democratic rights by the electorate.

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We appeal to all political parties, candidates and supporters to shun violence, avoid bloodshed and remain patient. Elections should not divide our people or cost anyone his or her life. Let the campaigns be peaceful, while the electorate freely exercise their democratic rights.