The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has expressed concern over escalating political tension ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) urged political actors to embrace peace, insisting that no governorship position is worth the loss of innocent lives.
Speaking during a meeting with INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan and other electoral officials at the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife, the monarch appealed to all political parties and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election. He stressed that Osun’s stability must take precedence over political ambition.
Ooni: Political Tension Is Becoming Unbearable
Oba Ogunwusi said the growing political atmosphere in the state has become worrisome and urged INEC to ensure that the election is free, fair and transparent.
According to the monarch, traditional rulers remain committed to promoting peace and will continue engaging political stakeholders to discourage violence and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the poll.
INEC: No Election Is Worth Bloodshed
Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan assured residents that the commission is committed to conducting a credible election.
He appealed to politicians and their supporters to reject violence, declaring that “the blood of innocent people is not worth a governorship election.” He also urged traditional rulers to continue preaching peace in their communities.
Preparations Intensify Ahead of August 15 Poll
INEC said preparations for the governorship election are progressing, with logistics, security coordination and stakeholder engagements receiving priority attention.
The commission expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of political parties, security agencies and traditional institutions, the election would be peaceful and credible.