The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has urged political actors, youths, and community leaders in Osun State to place peace above politics ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
Oba Ogunwusi made the plea on Thursday while receiving the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, and her team at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
According to a statement by the Director of Media, Ooni’s palace, Moses Olafare, the monarch said peace is the bedrock of any credible election and sustainable development.
“We are on the same page with INEC. We will continue to advocate peaceful coexistence in our communities and encourage our youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence,” the Ooni said.
“With about six months to the Osun governorship election, this is the time for every stakeholder to place peace above politics,” the monarch added.
Oba Ogunwusi pledged to mobilise traditional rulers across the state for voter education and to discourage vote buying.
“The Permanent Voter Card is not meant to be kept at home. It is meant to be used to elect leaders and hold them accountable.
“We also appeal to citizens not to sell their votes because when you sell your vote, you sell your future,” the monarch noted.
The Ooni urged the electoral body to remain professional, steadfast, transparent and impartial in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, Mrs Babalola described the Ooni as a dependable partner in advancing democratic values and sought his continued royal support, prayers and blessings to ensure elections are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
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