Osun guber: INEC seeks Ooni’s support for peaceful poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola has appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi for continued support, prayers and royal blessings ahead of the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

Babalola made the appeal during a visit to the traditional ruler in Ile-Ife on Thursday.

During the visit, the Resident Electoral Commissioner disclosed that the commission acknowledged the contribution of traditional institutions to Nigeria’s democratic process.

She said the backing of revered traditional institutions had continued to strengthen public confidence in elections and enhance the credibility of the country’s democratic system.

Addressing the monarch, she said, “The support of revered traditional institutions such as this has continued to strengthen public confidence and enhance the credibility of our democratic process.”

She also sought the continued support of the royal throne as preparations intensify for the governorship poll.

“Your Imperial Majesty, as we approach the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for 15th August, 2026, we humbly seek the continued royal support, prayers, and blessings of this great throne,” she said.

She described the role of traditional rulers as vital in ensuring peaceful elections and maintaining harmony within communities.

“Traditional rulers, as fathers and custodians of cultural values, remained indispensable in promoting peaceful coexistence and discouraging violence, intimidation, hate speech and other actions capable of undermining the electoral process,” Babalola said.

She appealed to the monarch to encourage political stakeholders to uphold peace before, during and after the election.

“We respectfully solicit Your Imperial Majesty’s intervention in encouraging all stakeholders’ political actors, community leaders, youths, and citizens to embrace peace, tolerance, and respect for the democratic process,” she said.

She stressed that the influence of the traditional institution could help foster peaceful participation among voters and political actors across the state.

“Your words of wisdom and influence will go a long way in reinforcing the message that elections should be contests of ideas and service, rather than conflicts,” she concluded.

The Ooni responding disclosed that he is aware of the activities of INEC under Mrs Babalola.

He also added that he has been holding town hall meetings with other traditional chiefs with the sole message of ensuring a peaceful election and full participation of the electorates.

“This coming election must be peaceful and everybody must come out to vote,” be said.

He assured that with the visit, he will intensify efforts on voter education and making the electorates knowledge the importance of peaceful election and discouragement of vote buying and encouraging of election violence.

He advised that, “Everybody must come out with their PVC and participate during the election. I have instructed all the market women, all the Iyaloja and traditional chiefs to canvas for peaceful poll, support of INEC staff.”

He added that he is seeking divine guidance for all INEC and ad-hoc staff and charged the commission not to be biased but to conduct the election according to the Electoral Act.

He also called on elections to accept the outcome of the polls.