Iwoye-Ijesa Stakeholders Hold Inter-Party Peace Meeting, Advocate Peaceful Elections in Osun

Political stakeholders, community leaders and residents of Iwoye-Ijesa have called for peaceful conduct before, during and after the forthcoming elections in Osun State, following concerns over recent reports of violence and insecurity in some parts of the state.

The call was made during an Inter-Party Peace Meeting held in the community on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The gathering brought together representatives and supporters of major political parties, traditional leaders and concerned residents committed to preserving the peace and stability of the town.

Convener of the meeting, Engr. Dideolu Falobi, said the initiative was prompted by reports of political violence, insecurity and killings recorded in parts of the state, including Ilesa, Ede, Ikire and Iwo.

According to him, Iwoye-Ijesa has a long-standing reputation as a peaceful community and must remain insulated from political tensions that could threaten its unity and development.

Reflecting on the town's history, Falobi noted that Iwoye-Ijesa was among the few communities in Ijesaland that neither witnessed killings nor destruction of property during the political upheavals of the 1960s, popularly known as the "Wetie" crisis.

He attributed the town's growth and development to unity, cooperation and collective community efforts, citing projects such as the Community Bank, now operating as a Microfinance Bank, Iwoye-Ijesa Grammar School, the royal palace and the community electrification project as examples of achievements made possible through communal support.

Falobi urged political actors and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement and reject violence, hate speech, intimidation and destruction of property throughout the election period.

The meeting featured contributions from stakeholders across political divides, including Mr. Kehinde Falore, Mr. Taiwo Falobi, Mr. Oladele Opeyemi, Chief (Mrs.) Foyeke Fasugba, Mr. Bolade Adeyemi, Mr. Tope Fakanju, Mr. Gbenga Adebiju, Mr. Banji Olusesi, Mr. Lekan Ariyo and Mr. Goke Olowoyeye.

Participants unanimously stressed the importance of conducting politics with love, tolerance and mutual respect while advocating continuous sensitisation against political violence.

They also called for increased vigilance against external elements seeking to destabilise the community, responsible leadership from political parties and candidates, greater involvement of women in peacebuilding efforts and improved mentorship for youths to prevent their exploitation for political violence.

The stakeholders further recommended strengthening traditional and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms as a means of preventing and resolving disputes.

The meeting received royal endorsement with the attendance of the Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa, who commended the initiative and pledged support for efforts aimed at sustaining peace within the community.

The monarch appealed to residents and political actors to embrace fairness, tolerance and understanding throughout the electioneering process. He also offered prayers for peace and prosperity in Iwoye-Ijesa, Ijesaland, Osun State and Nigeria.

Representatives and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attended the meeting, demonstrating a collective commitment to peaceful coexistence despite political differences.

The event ended on a cordial note with a closing prayer offered by the Aro of Iwoye-Ijesa, Chief Okundare.

Participants pledged to serve as ambassadors of peace and work together to ensure that the forthcoming elections are conducted in an atmosphere free from violence, intimidation and hatred.

The meeting concluded with a shared message that peace remains the foundation upon which sustainable development and community progress are built.