By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, 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 by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch—who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN)—made the pledge while receiving the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, and her team at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
The visit, part of INEC’s stakeholder engagement, focused on peacebuilding, voter education, and electoral integrity. Mrs. Babalola commended the Ooni for his consistent efforts in promoting peace and unity, describing him as a dependable partner in advancing democratic values. She urged citizens to reject electoral violence, avoid vote selling, and participate responsibly in the democratic process.
Responding, the Ooni assured INEC of the full support of traditional rulers, stressing that peace is the foundation of sustainable democracy.
“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. We reject political violence in all its forms. Let our elections be peaceful, credible and acceptable to all,” he said.
He pledged to mobilise traditional rulers and community leaders to support voter education and discourage vote buying, while offering royal prayers for INEC officials and the success of the forthcoming election.
The engagement underscores the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and electoral bodies in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Osun State.
