Osun community ramps up peace campaign amid election violence

Political stakeholders, community leaders and residents of Iwoye‑Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State have agreed to strengthen efforts to raise awareness about political violence before the upcoming state elections.

They also urged increased vigilance against external actors who might destabilise the community and called on party leaders and candidates to exercise responsible leadership during the electoral process.

These resolutions were documented in a communiqué released at the conclusion of an inter‑party peace meeting held to promote harmony, tolerance and peaceful political engagement before, during and after the elections.

The communiqué was signed by the meeting convener, Dideolu Falobi.

A copy of the communiqué obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday shows that participants, including representatives of the All Progressives Congress, Accord, African Democratic Congress and Peoples Democratic Party, pledged to act as ambassadors of peace and to work together to ensure the elections are conducted in an environment free of violence, intimidation and hatred.

Addressing the gathering, Falobi explained that the initiative was necessary because of reported incidents in Ilesa, Ede, Ikire and Iwo, and to preserve the peace and stability for which Iwoye‑Ijesa is known.

He said, “We consider it imperative to begin early sensitisation and mobilisation for peaceful elections so that our community remains united and insulated from violence and divisive politics.”

Reflecting on the community’s history, Falobi noted that Iwoye‑Ijesa is the only town in Ijesaland that did not record killings or witness the burning of houses during the turbulent “Operation Wetie” political crisis of the 1960s.

According to him, “The development recorded in the town over the years has been made possible through unity, cooperation and the collective efforts of its sons, daughters and supportive in‑laws.”

Falobi urged members and supporters of all political parties to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the election period and to avoid violence, intimidation, hate speech and destruction of property.

In separate remarks, Kehinde Falore, Taiwo Falobi, Oladele Opeyemi and Foyeke Fasugba emphasised the need for active involvement of women in promoting peaceful elections and advocated politics rooted in love, tolerance and mutual respect.

The speakers also called for continuous sensitisation against political violence, greater vigilance against external elements seeking to destabilise the community and responsible leadership by political parties and their candidates.

The Oniwoye of Iwoye‑Ijesa, Oba Adewumi Ogidiolu, commended the initiative and expressed support for efforts aimed at preserving peace in the community.

Oba Adewumi also appealed to residents and political actors to embrace fairness, tolerance and mutual understanding throughout the electioneering process.