Osun 2026: Ex-CJN Ariwoola-led Council warns against violence

The Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, has warned against violence ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The council also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure a free, fair, transparent and credible election.

Ariwoola, represented by a member of the council, Godknows Igali, made the call on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja.

The council said it was deeply concerned about the developments being reported in Osun ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

It said: “The Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development has continued to observe with huge concern the unfolding events in connection with the off-season Osun State Governorship Election which comes up on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

“The Council commends the serving governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke and the other gubernatorial candidates for their show of confidence in the country’s electoral process and for presenting themselves for election.

“We also welcome the commitment which they have all made, repeatedly, to play by the rules of the game. The Council members also took careful note of the various assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the leadership of the various security agencies on ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

“However, the council observes with very grave concerns the very negative and clearly undemocratic developments which continue to be reported ahead of the election. In particular and most disturbing are the very unfortunate incidents, including especially, loss of human lives.

“This is needless, unpatriotic, and unacceptable in a democratic setting where the ultimate goal of participating in the electoral process is to serve the people to bring better dividends of democracy.”

Tension has remained high in the state ahead of the election, with some people reportedly losing their lives while several others have sustained injuries in pockets of violence.

Security agencies have also arrested some suspected political thugs allegedly linked to acts of violence recorded in the run-up to the election.

Despite repeated assurances and commitments by the governorship candidates to a peaceful election, incidents of violence have continued in some parts of the state.

The council said the reported deaths should be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice.

It said: “Council also takes this opportunity to call particularly on the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN; the Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu; the Director General of Department State Security Services, Tosin Ajayi, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Mr Ola Olukayode, and all heads of other security agencies on whom the great responsibility of ensuring that proper elections are conducted in Osun state rests, to take all needed measures to ensure that the unfortunate incidences which have occurred are fully investigated and the perpetrators are promptly brought to book.

“More particularly is the need to remind all, including the people of Osun State, of the imperative of ensuring that the election in the state which is coming up ahead of the 2027 General Elections is conducted with all needed transparency, fairness and fair play.

“No more human lives should be wasted, and the people of Osun State must be given the confidence to come out to vote freely, independently and in a peaceful atmosphere so that the outcome of the election would reflect the wish of the people of the state.”

The council said continued threats to democracy and provocative actions capable of inciting violence by key stakeholders were deeply disturbing.

The Council of the Wise is made up of eminent Nigerians from across the country’s six geopolitical zones, with a mandate to engage key stakeholders, foster national unity and strengthen democratic governance.