By Onifade Samuel;
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has raised the alarm over the escalating political tension in Osun State, describing the atmosphere as unbearable and calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure a credible, transparent and just electoral process.
The revered monarch made the passionate appeal on Wednesday when the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner and his management team paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Ile-Ife.
Oba Ogunwusi, who did not mince words, urged the electoral umpire to rise above partisan interests and uphold its constitutional responsibility as an impartial arbiter.
According to the Ooni, the people of Osun State are anxious and yearning for an election that will truly reflect their will without manipulation, intimidation or interference.
“The political tension in Osun is becoming unbearable. We want an election that is very free, very fair and very just. You are the umpire to pull it down. Please, please, please do something,” the Ooni pleaded.
The first-class traditional ruler stressed that Osun has always been a politically sophisticated state where citizens are deeply aware and passionate about their democratic rights, hence the need for INEC to double its efforts in building public confidence.
He noted that history will judge the commission by how it handles the forthcoming electoral exercise in the state, adding that a peaceful and credible poll will not only stabilize Osun but also send a positive signal to the rest of the nation.
The Ooni further charged INEC to work closely with traditional institutions, security agencies, civil society organizations and other critical stakeholders to douse tension and ensure adequate voter education.
“People are listening to us, but they trust INEC more when it comes to elections. Whatever you do, let it be transparent. Let the people see that their votes will count. That is the only way to reduce tension,” he said.
The monarch, known for his peace advocacy, said traditional rulers in Osun are already working tirelessly to appeal to politicians and their supporters to shun violence, hate speech and desperate power struggles.
He however warned that the efforts of royal fathers would amount to little if the electoral body fails to demonstrate neutrality and competence in its conduct.
“We, the traditional rulers, are doing our best to calm nerves and preach peace in our domains. But our efforts must be complemented by INEC’s actions. When people know the umpire is fair, they will accept the outcome, whether they win or lose,” the Ooni added.
Responding, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, who led the delegation, assured the Ooni and the people of the state that the commission is fully prepared to deliver a free, fair, credible and inclusive election.
He disclosed that INEC has commenced early preparations, including logistics assessment, continuous voter education, and engagement with security agencies to guarantee a violence-free process.
He also commended the Ooni for his consistent role as a father to all and a bridge-builder whose interventions have continued to promote peace and unity in Osun and across Yorubaland.
“The visit to the palace of the Ooni is part of our stakeholder engagement. We recognize the critical role of traditional institutions in ensuring peaceful elections. We assure His Majesty and all Osun people that INEC will remain an unbiased umpire,” the REC said.
Political observers say the Ooni’s intervention is timely, coming at a period when Osun is witnessing a resurgence of political rivalry among major political parties ahead of upcoming elections.
Reports from different parts of the state indicate rising cases of political verbal attacks, defections and mobilization of youths, raising fears of possible clashes if not properly managed.
Residents who spoke with Veritas News Hub also echoed the monarch’s concern, calling on politicians to put the interest of the state above personal ambition and to allow peace to reign.
They equally called on security agencies to be proactive and professional in the discharge of their duties before, during and after the elections.
The Ooni concluded by offering royal blessings for a peaceful and successful electoral process in Osun State, while praying for continued progress and stability in Nigeria.
As Osun moves closer to another defining electoral moment, the message from the House of Oduduwa is clear: the people want justice, fairness and peace, and the ball is firmly in the court of INEC to deliver on its mandate.
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