August 15: KIMPACT, Olowu of Kuta Preach Peace to Osun Residents

THE Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, CON, has called on the Federal Government, electoral authorities, security agencies, political actors and residents of Osun State to work collectively towards ensuring a peaceful governorship election.

Oba Makama made the call while receiving a delegation of the KIMPACT Development Initiative Peace Committee at Kuta, where he also addressed journalists and members of the Olowu Council.

The monarch described Osun as a state blessed by God, stressing that the people should not allow political activities to disrupt the existing peace across the state.

“Osun is a state loved by God. We don’t want disruption of peace,” the monarch said, urging the Federal Government to take necessary measures to guarantee a peaceful election.

According to him, any escalation of tension before, during or after the election could erode the confidence of the electorate and discourage citizens from exercising their civic rights.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carefully consider the implications of every decision taken in the conduct of the election, noting that the credibility of the process would ultimately determine public confidence in its outcome.

The Olowu further tasked security and law enforcement agencies with providing a safe environment for citizens to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.

“There are eyes on Osun. I urge the electoral body to know that whatever steps they take will determine a good outcome. I task the security forces and law enforcement agencies to let our people vote in peace,” he said.

The traditional ruler encouraged eligible voters across the state to come out en masse on election day and cast their ballots, expressing hope that every legitimate vote would be counted.

He said traditional institutions and other stakeholders would continue to engage citizens on the need for peaceful participation, adding that efforts to promote peace should not stop before the election.

Oba Makama called on political candidates, security agencies, electoral officials and the electorate to embrace dialogue, restraint and peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.

KIMPACT: Political Differences Should Not Divide the People

Speaking during the visit, the Secretary of the Peace Committee established by KIMPACT Development Initiative, Mr. Dare Adeyanju, explained that the delegation visited the Olowu because of the respect accorded to the traditional institution in promoting peace across the state.

“Everywhere we’ve been to, they told us to go and meet with your Majesty. That’s why we are here,” Adeyanju said.

He disclosed that the delegation included a representative of the Orangun of Oke-Ila, who serves as Chairman of the committee, as well as representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Police.

Adeyanju emphasised the need for citizens to maintain peaceful relationships despite political differences, noting that political office seekers would eventually move on after elections while ordinary citizens would remain together within their communities.

“The political class will always move on after election, but we, the followers, are the problem. If we don’t live together unlike politicians, it means we are causing rancour within the society,” he said.

The KIMPACT Peace Committee therefore urged stakeholders and residents of Osun State to place the collective interest of the state above political differences and ensure that the 2026 governorship election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.

The engagement forms part of ongoing stakeholder efforts to encourage peaceful participation and prevent political tension from escalating into violence ahead of the Osun governorship election.