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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Tuesday informed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, that the political tension building up ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State has become unbearable.
Speaking at his palace in Ile-Ife during Amupitan’s visit to seek royal blessings ahead of the poll, the monarch urged the electoral body to maintain strict justice, fairness and transparency throughout the exercise.
“The political tension in Osun is getting unbearable. We do not want to rock the boat. We want elections to come very freely, very fairly, and very justly. Please, you are the umpire to douse the tension,” the Ooni stated.
Commending Amupitan’s track record, humility and professional approach, the monarch noted that traditional rulers in the state had deliberated extensively on the security climate.
He emphasised that traditional institutions must remain above partisan politics, reminding stakeholders that Osun is bigger than any individual politician.
“Both politicians from these two sides, the opposition and the one in office right now, we should embrace them and tell them the truth all the time. It is very important for them to focus on the well-being and also do what is just, fair, and right,” Oba Ogunwusi added.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for empowering INEC to operate independently.
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In his response, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to rebuilding public trust by delivering a credible, free and transparent electoral process.
“We are here, our royal fathers, to seek your royal blessings, to tap into your fatherly wisdom, and share our preparations with you and the good people of Osun State.
“As we approach this election, we recognize that this vote is the most consequential off-cycle election in Nigeria because after this election, we move straight into the general election. So we look at Osun as a mirror through which we can see the general election coming up next year,” Amupitan said.
Addressing security concerns raised in recent weeks, Amupitan noted that a successful election relies on peaceful conduct, prompt logistics and transparent result collation.
He implored the traditional rulers to help caution political actors against violence.
“Help us tell them that the blood of innocent people is not worth the governorship election. So nobody should be killed, or should be treated, or should be harassed,” the INEC boss warned.
