“Politics Must Not Be a Do-or-Die Affair” — Owolabi University Proprietor Urges Candidates, Electorate, Religious Leaders, Security Agencies to Shun Violence
With Osun State set to witness its much-anticipated governorship election on Saturday, August 15, 2026, the Proprietor of Owolabi University, Oke-Ila Orangun, and Presiding Bishop of FaithTriumph Ministries International, Bishop Felix Owolabi, has made a passionate appeal for peace, restraint and responsible political conduct before, during and after the election.
Bishop Owolabi, in a message directed at the people of Osun State and all stakeholders in the electoral process, urged governorship candidates, political parties, politicians, their supporters, the electorate, residents, the general public and law enforcement agencies to put the peace and security of the state above political interests.
He warned that politics must never be treated as a do-or-die affair, stressing that political power is ultimately subject to the sovereignty of Almighty God.
Quoting Psalm 75:6, the Bishop declared:
“For exaltation comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the Judge.”
According to him, the biblical admonition should remind politicians and their supporters that elevation does not come solely through human connections, political manoeuvring or physical strength, but ultimately from God.
He therefore appealed to all contestants to demonstrate maturity, sportsmanship and respect for democratic values, regardless of their political affiliations.
“BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS”
Bishop Owolabi further reinforced his appeal with the words of Jesus Christ recorded in Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Explaining the deeper meaning of the scripture, the Bishop said peacemaking is an active responsibility and not simply the absence of conflict.
He noted that those who actively work to resolve conflicts, foster reconciliation and build harmony demonstrate the character and will of God.
“Peacemaking is not just keeping quiet to avoid a fight or being a passive ‘peacekeeper.’ It means stepping into tension to fix broken relationships and build unity,” he emphasised.
According to him, because God sent Jesus Christ to reconcile humanity to Himself, those who actively pursue reconciliation and peace reflect the character of their heavenly Father.
The Bishop stressed that genuine peace cannot be built on silence, injustice or the suppression of legitimate grievances.
“True biblical peace goes deeper than a superficial quiet; it relies on fairness, truth, and mercy rather than ignoring wrongs or letting bitterness sit,” he said.
BISHOP OWOLABI SALUTES OSUN TRADITIONAL RULERS
The Proprietor of Owolabi University also commended the traditional rulers of Osun State for their efforts towards maintaining peace and stability in the state.
He particularly praised the Council of Traditional Rulers for the communiqué issued following their recent meeting in Ile-Ife, hosted by the Olofin Adimula, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, and chaired by the Orangun of Ila, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Wahab Olukayode Oyedotun.
Bishop Owolabi described the intervention of the traditional rulers as timely and important, stressing that the traditional institution remains a vital pillar of peace, unity and social stability in Osun State.
He urged politicians, candidates and their supporters to heed the wisdom of the traditional rulers and place the collective interest of Osun above individual political ambitions.
A SPECIAL APPEAL TO RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Bishop Owolabi also made a special appeal to Christian and Muslim religious leaders across the state to intensify prayers for a peaceful and successful election.
He urged clerics to use their pulpits and platforms to preach peace, unity, tolerance and responsible citizenship, rather than messages capable of creating fear, hatred, suspicion or division.
He particularly called on religious leaders to preach unity in diversity, reminding them that the spiritual responsibility of religious leadership extends beyond the walls of their places of worship.
The Bishop cautioned against the use of religious platforms to promote inflammatory political rhetoric or messages that could further divide an already politically charged society.
He reminded all stakeholders that political office is temporary, but accountability before God is eternal.
“Every one of us will give an account of our stewardship before the Almighty God, the Maker of heaven and earth,” he declared.
THE BALLOT MUST NOT BECOME A WEAPON
As the August 15 election approaches, Bishop Owolabi’s message is fundamentally a call for political maturity and peaceful coexistence.
He urged eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights peacefully, vote according to their conscience and resist every attempt by individuals or groups to manipulate them into acts of violence.
He equally called on security agencies to remain professional, impartial and committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens throughout the electoral process.
The Bishop’s appeal comes at a critical moment when political emotions are running high across the state.
His message is that political competition should not destroy the relationships, communities and institutions that have been built over generations.
For Osun State, the election should not merely be about who wins or loses. It should also be about demonstrating that political differences can coexist with peace, mutual respect and brotherhood.
OSUN FIRST
Ultimately, Bishop Felix Owolabi’s appeal is for all stakeholders to remember that Osun State belongs to everyone, irrespective of political party, ethnic background, religious affiliation or preferred candidate.
The election will come and go. Political offices will change hands. Campaigns will end. But the people of Osun will continue to live together after the ballots have been counted.
Therefore, he urged all candidates and their supporters to pursue their political aspirations without hatred, violence or destruction.
His prayer is that the August 15 governorship election will be peaceful, credible and successful, and that whoever emerges victorious will govern with wisdom, justice, humility and the fear of God.
The election may determine the next governor of Osun State, but it is the people who must preserve the peace of the state.
Omotayo Babalola writes from Ila-Orangun. He is the Publisher of Igbomina Today Magazine, a distinguished historian, political analyst, public commentator, and passionate advocate for community development.
