…Tells INEC to deliver credible poll
With barely three weeks to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Tuesday raised fresh concerns over the rising political tension in the state, warning that the situation was becoming unbearable and urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a transparent, free and credible election.
The monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and the natural leader of the Yoruba race, made the remarks while receiving the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, who led a delegation of the electoral commission on a courtesy visit to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
The meeting, which also had in attendance members of the Osun State Council of Obas, comes amid heightened political activities, allegations and counter-allegations among major political parties ahead of the off-cycle governorship election.
Speaking during the engagement, the Ooni, according to a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare and made available to journalists in Osogbo, said the current political atmosphere in Osun had become a source of deep concern to the traditional institution, stressing that royal fathers could not remain silent when the peace and stability of the state were under threat.
“There is political tension in Osun State and, truth be told, the tension is becoming unbearable for us. As traditional rulers, we must remain above politics because Osun State is bigger than any politician. We occupy the thrones of our forefathers and our responsibility is to speak the truth at all times, irrespective of political affiliations,” the monarch declared.
According to him, politicians may align and realign in pursuit of their interests, but traditional rulers remain permanently committed to preserving peace, unity and social harmony across their communities.
He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and allow voters to freely determine who governs the state.
“Politics is about interests. Those who are opponents today may become allies tomorrow, but the people remain. We do not want political interests to divide our communities or threaten the peace of Osun State. Let the people come out freely to vote and decide who they want to govern them,” he said.
The Ooni challenged INEC to demonstrate absolute neutrality and professionalism, saying the commission bears a huge responsibility in calming the growing political anxiety across the state.
“You are the umpire. Be very just, upright and transparent in the conduct of this election. We want the election to be free, fair and credible. You have the responsibility to douse the growing tension and inspire confidence among all political stakeholders,” he charged.
Oba Ogunwusi also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the independence of INEC, expressing optimism that the commission would justify public confidence by conducting an election that reflects the genuine will of the people.
The monarch warned politicians against inflammatory rhetoric capable of inciting violence, insisting that no political contest should destroy relationships or plunge communities into crisis.
He maintained that the traditional institution would continue to engage all stakeholders in promoting peaceful campaigns before, during and after the election, while urging eligible voters not to be intimidated from exercising their constitutional rights.
Earlier, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, described the visit to the palace as both a cultural obligation and a strategic engagement aimed at securing the support of traditional rulers for a peaceful electoral process.
He described Osun as one of Nigeria’s politically vibrant states, noting that the August 15 governorship election would be closely watched across the country as a significant electoral exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan assured the royal fathers that INEC remained committed to conducting a free, fair and transparent election, adding that the commission would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other technological innovations to safeguard the credibility of the poll.
He disclosed that rebuilding public trust in the electoral body remains one of the commission’s major priorities, stressing that such confidence could only be earned through credible elections that faithfully reflect the wishes of voters.
The INEC chairman also appealed to traditional rulers to continue using their influence to promote peaceful coexistence by encouraging political actors and their supporters to shun violence, hate speech and other actions capable of threatening public order.
He further warned against vote-buying and other electoral offences, assuring residents that adequate electoral materials and personnel would be deployed across Osun State ahead of the election.
Amupitan urged political parties, candidates and members of the public to rely only on official information released by INEC, warning that the spread of misinformation and unverified claims could further heighten political tension in the state.
