Peace Above Politics: Ooni, INEC Intensify Campaign Against Electoral Violence Ahead of Osun Governorship Poll
Peace Above Politics: Ooni, INEC Intensify Campaign Against Electoral Violence Ahead of Osun Governorship Poll
By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Peace is widely regarded as the lifeblood of democracy, creating the atmosphere needed for citizens to freely choose their leaders without fear or intimidation. As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, traditional rulers and electoral authorities are stepping up efforts to prevent violence, deepen voter confidence and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have renewed calls for peaceful elections in Osun State, urging political actors, youths and voters to reject violence, vote-buying and every action capable of undermining the state’s democratic process.
The renewed commitment emerged during a stakeholder engagement at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, where the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, led members of the commission’s management team on a courtesy visit to the monarch.
The meeting formed part of INEC’s broader engagement with critical stakeholders ahead of the 2026 governorship election, aimed at strengthening partnerships that would guarantee peaceful, free, fair and credible polls.
Receiving the delegation, the Ooni, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), reaffirmed the traditional institution’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence across communities.
He said traditional rulers would continue to sensitise their subjects, particularly young people, against allowing themselves to be recruited for political violence.
“We are on the same page with INEC. We will continue to advocate peaceful coexistence in our communities and encourage our youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence,” the monarch said.
With the governorship election only months away, the Ooni stressed that every stakeholder must prioritise peace over political interests, warning that no electoral contest should lead to bloodshed.
He also urged INEC to sustain professionalism, transparency and impartiality in the discharge of its constitutional mandate, noting that public confidence in elections depends largely on the credibility of the electoral process.
The monarch further pledged to mobilise traditional rulers and community leaders across Osun State to intensify voter education and discourage vote-buying, describing credible elections as essential to democratic development.
Earlier, Mrs. Babalola commended the Ooni for his consistent role in fostering peace and unity in Osun State and across Yorubaland, describing his influence as invaluable in promoting democratic values.
She appealed to the monarch to continue encouraging traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to embrace tolerance and reject electoral violence.
“Election is not war. It is a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders,” she said.
The REC disclosed that INEC had expanded voter education campaigns targeting women, youths, persons with disabilities and students to encourage greater participation in the electoral process.
She also reminded eligible voters to collect and use their Permanent Voter Cards, warning that selling votes amounts to sacrificing the future of society.
Mrs. Babalola reiterated the commission’s commitment to delivering transparent, free, fair and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the people.
The engagement concluded with the Ooni offering royal prayers for the REC, electoral officials and the people of Osun State, expressing hope for peaceful campaigns and an election outcome that would be widely accepted by all stakeholders.
