The Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers has called on all stakeholders to uphold peace, neutrality, and democratic values ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election in the state.
The appeal was made at the end of a marathon meeting of the state’s foremost traditional rulers, held under the leadership of the Chairman of the Council and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II. The meeting, which lasted for about five hours, was presided over by His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Wahab Olukayode Oyedotun, Bibiire I, the Orangun of Ila.
The Royal Fathers expressed deep concern over the growing political tension across Osun State, particularly the reported cases of politically motivated violence and killings capable of undermining the peace the state has enjoyed over the years.
Following prayers and extensive deliberations, the traditional rulers received the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and his delegation, who briefed the Council on the Commission’s level of preparedness for the forthcoming governorship election.
Before the INEC delegation joined the meeting, the monarchs unanimously resolved to remain impartial throughout the electoral process, reaffirming that all governorship candidates are their children and that every palace in Osun State must remain open to all citizens irrespective of political affiliation.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, the Council recalled the violence that followed the 1965 Western Region election, popularly remembered as Operation Wetie, and the chain of events that culminated in military intervention and the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970. The monarchs stressed that neither Osun State nor Nigeria could afford a recurrence of such tragic experiences.
Consequently, the Council adopted a collective peace pact and issued passionate appeals to all critical stakeholders.
The traditional rulers urged INEC to conduct a free, fair, credible, and transparent election that truly reflects the will of the electorate. They also called on security agencies to remain professional, impartial, and committed to protecting lives and property without favouring any political interest.
Political parties and their supporters were equally admonished to embrace peaceful campaigns, respect one another as brothers and sisters, and reject violence, reminding them that political power is temporary but human life is sacred.
The Council further encouraged eligible voters to come out peacefully on election day, safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and reject thuggery, violence, and hate speech, emphasizing that the collective interest of Osun State must take precedence over individual political ambitions.
The monarchs reaffirmed that the palaces across Osun State would continue to serve as homes for all citizens without discrimination, declaring that traditional institutions would never endorse violence or chaos but would continually stand for peace, unity, and justice.
Describing Osun as the heart of Yorubaland, the Council noted that events in the state have far-reaching implications for the entire region and urged all residents to uphold the cherished Yoruba values of wisdom, dialogue, and Omolúwàbí.
The Royal Fathers also challenged the INEC Chairman to recognize the historic responsibility placed upon him, reminding him that history would judge the conduct of the Commission in the forthcoming election. They urged him to leave behind a legacy worthy of remembrance alongside his predecessors.
The meeting concluded with prayers for divine guidance over INEC, security agencies, political leaders, and the people of Osun State, while invoking enduring peace for Osun State, Yorubaland, and Nigeria.
Credit: Photo by John Oluwatayo Adeyeye of Intelligent Photo Palace
Omotayo O. Babalola is the Publisher of Igbomina Today Magazine, a distinguished historian, political analyst, public commentator, and passionate advocate for community development.
