Osun Election: Traditional Rulers Voice Worry Over Rising Political Tension

Traditional rulers in Osun State have expressed deep concern over escalating political tensions as the August 15 governorship election approaches. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, conveyed this worry to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, during a palace visit.

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Blood of one innocent person not worth a guber election

Oba Ogunwusi described the situation as worrisome and unbearable, emphasizing that the blood of any innocent person is not worth the election. He urged Amupitan to act as a just and fair umpire, stressing that INEC bears the responsibility for ensuring a free and credible poll, with government support already in place. The Ooni appealed for efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peace among political actors and their followers.

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the rising political tension in Osun State had dominated hours of deliberation among the traditional rulers prior to the Chairman’s arrival.

The INEC chairman acknowledged Ile-Ife as a historical beacon of peace and cultural unity. He highlighted INEC's constitutional mandate to conduct elections and manage political parties. Amupitan noted that his visit to the palace was deliberate, opting for a road journey to commence stakeholder engagements. He characterized the Osun election as a crucial dress rehearsal for the 2027 general elections, noting the state's 2,339,233 registered voters across 3,763 polling units.

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the responsibility of ensuring a free and credible election rested squarely on the Commission

Amupitan appealed to the Ooni and other traditional rulers to leverage their influence in cautioning political figures against violence. He stressed that successful elections are peaceful, transparent, and timely, urging that the polls should not be treated as a do-or-die affair. The commission also plans to hold an Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting and witness the signing of a peace accord by political parties.

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Ile-Ife as the ancestral cradle of the Yoruba people and a historical beacon of peace and cultural unity in Nigeria