The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on politicians, political parties and their supporters to embrace peace ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, warning that no election is worth the loss of lives.
The monarch made the appeal during a visit by the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, the party’s governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, and other party leaders to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
Represented by the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Oba Adekola Adeyeye, the Ooni reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence regardless of political affiliation. He described Ile-Ife as the spiritual and historical cradle of the Yoruba race and urged political leaders to prioritise its development.
The monarch lamented that despite its historical importance, Ile-Ife has not received the level of development it deserves. He recalled the contributions of the late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, who served as Governor of the old Western Region, noting that his legacy continues to impact Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Drawing comparisons with other major cultural centres in Nigeria, the Ooni said Sokoto and Enugu have continued to benefit from their historical significance, adding that Yoruba leaders should collectively ensure that Ile-Ife enjoys similar attention.
“We, as Yoruba, who acknowledge Ile-Ife as our source, must collectively ensure that this ancient city receives the attention and development it deserves.”
Turning to the forthcoming election, the royal father urged all stakeholders to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the democratic process.
“We appeal to all political parties, candidates and supporters to shun violence, avoid bloodshed and remain patient. Elections should not divide our people or cost anyone his or her life. Let the campaigns be peaceful, while the electorate freely exercise their democratic rights.”
Earlier, Rauf Aregbesola explained that the ADC deliberately chose Ile-Ife as the starting point of its governorship campaign because of the city’s cultural and historical importance to the Yoruba people.
According to the former Osun State governor, beginning political campaigns in Ile-Ife has become a long-standing tradition for his political movement.
“Since 2004, we have consistently visited the palace to seek royal blessings before embarking on major political activities, and we are here today to continue that tradition,” Aregbesola said.
The visit comes as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election, with appeals for peaceful conduct growing across the state.
