— Urges FG, INEC, Security Agencies to Ensure Credible, Peaceful Poll
The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, CON, has urged political stakeholders and residents of Osun State to ensure that political differences do not threaten the peace and unity of the state ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Oba Makama made the call when he received a delegation of the KIMPACT Development Initiative Peace Committee at Kuta, where he addressed journalists and members of the Olowu Council.
The monarch also called on the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political actors and other stakeholders to work collectively towards ensuring a credible and peaceful electoral process.
Describing Osun as a state blessed by God, Oba Makama said political activities should not be allowed to disrupt the existing peace across the state.
“Osun is a state loved by God. We don’t want disruption of peace,” the monarch said, urging the Federal Government to take necessary measures to guarantee a peaceful election.
He warned that any escalation of tension before, during or after the election could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and discourage citizens from exercising their civic rights.
The Olowu further urged INEC to carefully consider the implications of every decision taken in the conduct of the election, noting that the credibility of the process would ultimately determine public confidence in its outcome.
“There are eyes on Osun. I urge the electoral body to know that whatever steps they take will determine a good outcome. I task the security forces and law enforcement agencies to let our people vote in peace,” he said.
Oba Makama encouraged eligible voters across the state to come out and exercise their franchise peacefully, expressing hope that every legitimate vote would be counted.
He also called on political candidates, electoral officials, security agencies and the electorate to embrace dialogue, restraint and peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
KIMPACT Seeks Unity Beyond Political Differences
Speaking during the engagement, the Secretary of the KIMPACT Development Initiative Peace Committee, Mr. Dare Adeyanju, said the delegation visited the Olowu because of the traditional institution’s role and influence in promoting peace across the state.
“Everywhere we’ve been to, they told us to go and meet with your Majesty. That’s why we are here,” Adeyanju said.
He disclosed that the delegation included a representative of the Orangun of Oke-Ila, who serves as Chairman of the committee, alongside representatives of INEC and the Nigeria Police.
Adeyanju stressed that political differences should not destroy relationships among citizens, noting that politicians would eventually move on after the election while residents would continue to live together in their communities.
“The political class will always move on after election, but we, the followers, are the problem. If we don’t live together unlike politicians, it means we are causing rancour within the society,” he said.
The KIMPACT Peace Committee consequently urged political stakeholders, candidates and residents of Osun State to place the collective interest of the state above political differences.
The committee called for an electoral atmosphere characterised by peace, tolerance, mutual respect and responsible political participation.
The engagement forms part of ongoing stakeholder efforts to encourage peaceful participation and prevent political tension from escalating into violence before, during and after the Osun governorship election.