Key points
- Traditional rulers in Ile-Ife have urged political parties to embrace peace before and after the Aug. 15 governorship election.
- The Obalufe warned that anyone involved in electoral violence would be punished.
- The Lowa Adimula urged political stakeholders to support the Ooni of Ife’s peace-building efforts.
Main story
Traditional rulers in Ile-Ife, Osun, have appealed to political parties and their supporters to shun violence and preserve peace ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election.
The Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, and Lowa Adimula of Ife, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, made the appeal while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Ile-Ife.
Adediwura urged political actors to avoid actions capable of disrupting the peace of the ancient city, amid rising political tension ahead of the election.
The traditional ruler warned that anyone found engaging in violence would be punished and called on security agencies to apprehend those responsible for electoral violence.
Adeyeye also urged political stakeholders not to undermine the peace-building efforts of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, in pursuit of political interests.
He called on political parties to conduct their activities peacefully, stressing that the development and unity of Ile-Ife should remain paramount.
Peace-building efforts
Adeyeye commended the Ooni for his role in maintaining peace and promoting development across Ife land, Osun and Nigeria.
He appealed to political stakeholders to support the Ooni’s peace initiative and work towards ensuring that the election is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
The issues
The appeal comes ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election, with the traditional rulers focusing on preventing political violence and protecting the peace and unity of Ile-Ife.
What’s next
Political parties and their supporters are expected to conduct their campaigns and election-related activities peacefully, while security agencies have been urged to apprehend perpetrators of electoral violence.
Bottom line
Ife traditional rulers are calling on political actors to put the peace and development of the community ahead of political interests as Osun prepares for the Aug. 15 governorship election.
