The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional institution to promoting peaceful coexistence and discouraging electoral violence ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) made the pledge on Thursday while receiving the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, and members of her management team at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
The visit formed part of INEC’s stakeholders’ engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration with traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders to ensure the conduct of peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in the state.
The INEC delegation was received with a colourful traditional ceremony before proceeding to discussions centred on peacebuilding, voter education and electoral integrity.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Babalola commended the Ooni for his consistent efforts in promoting peace, unity and stability in Osun State and across Yorubaland, describing the revered monarch as a dependable partner in advancing democratic values.
She appreciated the Ooni’s fatherly guidance and unwavering support towards ensuring that elections in the state are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
“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 REC appealed to the Ooni to continue encouraging traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and political stakeholders to embrace tolerance and reject 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,” she added.
Responding, the Ooni assured the electoral commission of the full support of the traditional institution, stressing that peace remains the foundation of sustainable democracy and 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.
“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 said.
The Ooni also pledged to continue mobilising traditional rulers and community leaders across the state to support voter education and discourage vote buying.
He concluded the meeting by offering royal and ancestral prayers for the Resident Electoral Commissioner, members of her team and all electoral officials, praying for wisdom, protection and a peaceful, successful and credible governorship election in Osun State.
