Ahead of the general election next month, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of support of the traditional rulers in meeting its mandate.
The Ooni, who is the chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, spoke yesterday at a meeting between the INEC management and the traditional rulers in Osun State.
He said the traditional rulers would use their positions as the institution closest to the grassroots to mobilise the people to be peaceful before, during and after the general elections.
Oba Ogunwusi described Osun State as a mirror reflecting how good elections should look like, saying the September 22, 2018 governorship election in the state, being the last poll before the general election, must have taught the INEC and the nation many lessons.
The foremost Yoruba monarch enjoined other traditional rulers to ensure their subjects are sensitised and well educated about the forthcoming poll, for them to know how to play their civic responsibilities and contribute to nation building.
He advised eligible voters to ensure they collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and use them to determine their political leaders, saying they must not also forget to vote according to their conscience.
The National Commissioner of INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye, said build up to the general election could be tasking, “but with the support of stakeholders, especially our royal fathers the INEC will be able to succeed.”
Source: The Nation