The Iree Progressive Association (IPA), the umbrella body of Iree community associations worldwide, has condemned the series of security disturbances that occurred in Iree before, during and after the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.
The association, in a statement signed by its Global Executive Council and dated August 19, said it had reviewed its pre-election peace engineering efforts, including several town hall meetings to which all political parties were invited.
According to the association, all political parties except one attended the meetings, which were witnessed by national institutions and security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Independent National Electoral Commission and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
The IPA said it condemned every form of crisis in the strongest terms, describing violence as wicked and barbaric and stressing that it had no place in Iree culture.
The association also raised concerns over alleged armed intimidation before, during and after the election. It said suspected thugs were sighted at different locations in Iree allegedly shooting sporadically to instil fear in residents, adding that some individuals were reportedly apprehended with guns and ammunition on election day and handed over to the police.
The association further condemned the attack on the personal residence of the Aree of Iree, Oba Muritala Omotayo Oyelakin Oyekun III, on the eve of the election. It said several gunshots were recorded at the entrance of the monarch’s residence in what appeared to be an attempt to intimidate the throne ahead of the election.
The IPA vindicated the Aree, stating that the monarch had remained an ambassador of peace and a father to all Iree indigenes irrespective of political or religious affiliation. It added that he had no political affiliation with any party and had consistently preached peace, harmony and unity despite efforts to brew crisis in the community.
The association urged leaders of all political parties in Iree, especially the APC and Accord, to manage the situation with humility and magnanimity, reminding them that power is transient while brotherhood remains forever. It also appealed to writers and commentators reporting developments in Iree to properly verify and balance their facts before publication, warning against narratives capable of further inflaming tension.
The IPA called on the Nigeria Police, DSS and NSCDC to deploy more personnel to Iree to maintain law and order and protect lives and property. It sued for peace, saying the community was known for hospitality and unity and would remain so without compromise.