Ooni of Ife Urges Peace Ahead of 2026 Osun Governorship Election
By Richard Akintade Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to promoting peaceful coexistence and discouraging electoral violence ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The monarch made the pledge while receiving the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, and members of her management team at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
The visit formed part of INEC’s stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers and other key stakeholders to ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in the state.
During the meeting, discussions focused on peacebuilding, voter education and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Babalola commended the Ooni for his continued efforts in promoting peace and unity in Osun State and across Yorubaland, describing him as a dependable partner in advancing democracy.
She appealed to the monarch to continue encouraging traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and political actors to reject electoral violence and embrace peaceful participation.
According to her, INEC has intensified voter education programmes targeting women, youths, persons with disabilities and students to encourage wider participation in the electoral process.
She also urged eligible voters to collect and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), warning against vote-buying and other acts capable of undermining credible elections.
Responding, the Ooni assured the electoral commission of the full support of the traditional institution, stressing that peace remains the foundation of democracy and sustainable development.
He urged youths not to allow themselves to be used to cause violence during elections and called on all political stakeholders to place peace above personal interests.
The monarch also encouraged INEC to remain transparent, professional and impartial in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, saying credible elections would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
“We do not want bloodshed. We reject political violence in all its forms. Let our elections be peaceful, credible and acceptable to everyone,” the Ooni said.
He further pledged to mobilise traditional rulers and community leaders across Osun State to support voter education campaigns and discourage vote-buying ahead of the governorship election.
The meeting ended with the Ooni offering prayers for the Resident Electoral Commissioner, members of her team and all election officials, praying for a peaceful, successful and credible governorship election in Osun State.
Ooni of Ife Urges Peace Ahead of 2026 Osun Governorship Election