Egbe Atunluse of Ijesaland Calls for Peaceful Campaigns Ahead of Osun Governorship Election

The Egbe Atunluse of Ijesaland has appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters, youth groups, and residents of Ijesaland to embrace peaceful, responsible, and non-violent political campaigns ahead of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.

In a press statement jointly signed by Atunluse Olu Obi and Atunluse Isaac Haastrup, the socio-cultural group emphasized that while political participation remains a fundamental democratic right, it must always be exercised with respect for the rule of law, human dignity, and the peaceful coexistence that has long distinguished Ijesaland.

The group warned that political differences should never degenerate into hostility, intimidation, destruction of property, or loss of lives, stressing that elections are temporary but relationships among families, neighbours, and friends endure long after the polls.

Egbe Atunluse urged all political actors to conduct their campaigns with civility and mutual respect, avoid inflammatory language, hate speech, threats, misinformation, violence, intimidation, harassment, and vote-buying, while encouraging their supporters to obey the law and respect the rights of others. The group also called on all stakeholders to protect public and private property throughout the electioneering period.

Addressing the youth, the organisation cautioned them against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence or unrest, noting that their energy, creativity, and leadership qualities should be channelled towards community development rather than conflict and destruction.

The group further appealed to parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, and civil society organisations to continue promoting dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence before, during, and after the elections.

Egbe Atunluse also commended security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace, particularly acknowledging the recent visit of the Inspector-General of Police to Osun State. It urged security personnel and electoral officials to discharge their constitutional responsibilities professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law to ensure that every eligible voter can participate freely and safely in the electoral process.

Reaffirming Ijesaland's long-standing reputation for peace, unity, and mutual respect, the organisation called on residents to preserve the community's legacy by demonstrating political maturity and ensuring that the elections are conducted without violence or fear.

The group also aligned itself with the peace appeal of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, urging all sons and daughters of Ijesaland to support the monarch's call for unity and peaceful coexistence throughout the election period.

"Together, let us choose peace over conflict, dialogue over confrontation, and unity over division. A peaceful election is the responsibility of every citizen," the statement concluded, praying for lasting peace in Ijesaland, Osun State, and Nigeria.