Ooni Calls for Peace Ahead of Osun Governorship Election

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has appealed to political parties, candidates and residents of Osun State to maintain peace and unity ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The revered monarch made the appeal while receiving the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by the party's National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and its governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, at his palace in Ile-Ife.

Represented by the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, the Ooni reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence regardless of political affiliations. He described Ile-Ife as the spiritual and historical cradle of the Yoruba race and urged political actors to conduct their campaigns without violence or actions capable of disrupting the state's peace.

The monarch also called on successive governments to give Ile-Ife the attention and development befitting its historical significance. He stressed that politics should be driven by service to the people and encouraged leaders to prioritise the state's progress over partisan interests.

The visit formed part of the ADC's engagements with key stakeholders ahead of the election, as political campaigns intensify across Osun State. The Ooni's appeal adds to growing calls from traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups for a peaceful, credible and violence-free governorship poll.