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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Ooni urges peaceful Osun poll

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Ooni of Ife urged politicians and supporters in Osun State to embrace peace and shun violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
  • He emphasized that Osun State is more important than any individual or political party, calling for a peaceful demonstration of the people's will.
  • The Imole Campaign Council pledged to conduct a violence-free campaign, with the Director General seeking royal blessings for their electioneering activities.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has appealed to politicians and their supporters in Osun State to prioritize peace and reject violence as the August 15 governorship election approaches. Speaking at his palace in Ile-Ife, Oba Ogunwusi received the leadership of the Imole Campaign Council, which is supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke's re-election bid.

I am appealing to politicians and their followers to shun violence. The whole world is watching Osun, and we must show them that we are peace-loving people.

— Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye OgunwusiThe monarch's plea for peace, emphasizing the international attention on the Osun election and the state's reputation.

Oba Ogunwusi stressed that Osun State's welfare transcends individual or political ambitions. He urged all political actors to refrain from hate speech and actions that could destabilize the state, reminding them that the world is watching and that Osun must showcase its peace-loving nature. "God is the only one who enthrones," the monarch stated, emphasizing that political contests should not lead to conflict.

Osun is bigger than any political party or person, and we must ensure that our actions do not disturb the peace of the state. We should not fight ourselves. God is the only one who enthrones.

— Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye OgunwusiThis quote highlights the monarch's view that the state's well-being is paramount and that political contests should not lead to conflict.

Representing the campaign council, former PDP National Secretary Prof. Wale Oladipo assured the monarch of their commitment to a peaceful electioneering process. "We don’t believe in violence, and we are going to ensure a violence-free campaign," Oladipo stated, also appealing to opposing parties to adopt a similar stance. He highlighted Governor Adeleke's developmental achievements, including infrastructure projects, as reasons for their confidence.

I am going to appeal to everyone, especially the people on the other side. In the Adeleke camp, which I have the honour of leading, we don’t believe in violence, and we are going to ensure a violence-free campaign.

— Prof. Wale Oladipo, Leader of Imole Campaign CouncilA commitment from the campaign council to conduct peaceful electioneering activities.

The Director General of the council, Lere Oyewumi, explained that the visit to the Ooni was to seek royal blessings before officially commencing their campaign. He expressed confidence that Governor Adeleke would not disappoint the people of Ife. The appeal for peace comes amid concerns about potential violence disrupting the election, as the state has previously experienced clashes between political supporters.

We want peace in the land. It is through peace that development can come. Election is not a do-or-die affair, and we should allow the people to choose whoever they want.

— Prof. Wale Oladipo, Leader of Imole Campaign CouncilThis statement emphasizes the link between peace and development, and the democratic principle of allowing the electorate to choose their leaders.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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