The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has reaffirmed the commitment of Nigeria’s traditional institution to promoting peaceful coexistence and preventing electoral violence ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The monarch, who serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, alongside members of her management team at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the visit formed part of INEC’s ongoing stakeholders’ engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders to ensure the conduct of peaceful, free, fair and credible elections across Osun State.
The INEC delegation was accorded a colourful traditional welcome before both parties held extensive discussions focusing on peacebuilding, voter education, electoral integrity and the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking during the engagement, Mrs. Babalola commended the Ooni for his longstanding commitment to peace, unity and stability in Osun State and across Yorubaland, describing the revered monarch as a dependable partner in advancing democratic values.
She expressed appreciation for the monarch’s fatherly guidance and unwavering support towards ensuring peaceful elections in the state.
“As we prepare for another electoral cycle, we have come to seek Your Imperial Majesty’s continued royal support, prayers and blessings. Your influence remains invaluable in fostering peace and encouraging responsible civic participation among our people,” she said.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner appealed to the Ooni to continue mobilising traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to embrace tolerance while rejecting every form of electoral violence.
“Election is not war. It is a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders. We urge all eligible voters to come out and vote peacefully.
“We have intensified voter education and engagement with women, youths, persons with disabilities and student leaders to ensure that no eligible voter is left behind.
“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.
“INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections that will reflect the genuine will of the people.”
Responding, the Ooni assured the electoral commission of the unwavering support of the traditional institution, emphasising that peace remains the bedrock of democracy, development and national stability.
“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.
“With about six months to the Osun governorship election and the presidential election following thereafter, this is the time for every stakeholder to place peace above politics.
“I encourage INEC to remain professional, steadfast, transparent and impartial in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. Continue to build public confidence in the electoral process.
“We do not want bloodshed. We reject political violence in all its forms. Let our elections be peaceful, credible and acceptable to all.”
The Ooni further pledged to mobilise traditional rulers and community leaders across Osun State to intensify voter education campaigns, discourage vote buying and promote responsible civic participation before, during and after the elections.
He concluded the meeting by offering royal and ancestral prayers for the Resident Electoral Commissioner, members of her management team and all electoral officials, praying for divine wisdom, protection and a peaceful, successful and credible governorship election in Osun State.
The engagement underscores the growing collaboration between the Independent National Electoral Commission and Nigeria’s traditional institutions in promoting electoral integrity, strengthening voter confidence and ensuring that the 2026 Osun governorship election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace, fairness and credibility.
