Election Violence: Osun community intensifies peace campaign efforts

Political stakeholders, community leaders and residents of Iwoye-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State have resolved to intensify sensitisation against political violence ahead of forthcoming elections in the state.

The stakeholders also called for greater vigilance against external elements seeking to destabilise the community and urged political party leaders and candidates to demonstrate responsible leadership during the electoral process.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an inter-party peace meeting convened to promote harmony, tolerance and peaceful political engagement before, during and after the elections.

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

A copy of the communiqué, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, indicated that participants, including representatives of the All Progressives Congress, Accord, African Democratic Congress and Peoples Democratic Party, pledged to serve as ambassadors of peace and work collectively to ensure elections were conducted in an atmosphere free of violence, intimidation and hatred.

Addressing the gathering, Falobi said the initiative became necessary in view of reported incidents in Ilesa, Ede, Ikire and Iwo, as well as the need 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.”

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Reflecting on the community’s history, Falobi described Iwoye-Ijesa as the only town in Ijesaland that neither recorded killings nor witnessed 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 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 the 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.