The Osun Pro Youth Frontiers has called for peace, unity and harmony in Ijesaland and Osun State, urging political leaders, youths and other stakeholders to reject violence and inflammatory rhetoric.
The group made the call after embarking on a road walk in Ilesa on Tuesday morning as part of activities aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and discouraging actions capable of deepening divisions among the people.
Addressing journalists after the road walk, Cmrd. Abiola Olatunbosun, the spokesperson of the group said the initiative was motivated by concerns over what it described as recent incidents of violence, killings, inflammatory statements and reactions capable of tearing the society apart.
The spokesperson said peace should not be viewed merely as the absence of conflict, but as the presence of justice, empathy, mutual respect and responsible citizenship.
According to the group, differences in political affiliation, social status, background, culture and beliefs should not become sources of division, but should instead be regarded as elements that contribute to the strength and diversity of society.
The group consequently urged citizens to embrace dialogue, understanding and cooperation as means of addressing disagreements.
Political Class Urged to Emulate Ijesa Elites
The Osun Pro Youth Frontiers also called on the political class in Ijesaland to emulate what it described as the developmental contributions of Ijesa elites.
The group cited various self-sponsored initiatives and projects, including the development of the Palace, the Geriatric Hospital and scholarship programmes, as examples of interventions aimed at improving the welfare and future of the people.
It questioned why political activities should become associated with violence, killings and irresponsible statements, stressing that politics should be about service, development and healthy competition.
“Enough is enough,” the group declared.
Appeal to Security Agencies and Youths
While commending the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their efforts in containing violence, the group urged them to intensify their efforts to protect lives and property and ensure that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice.
The organisation also appealed to youths in Ijesaland and Osun State to reject political thuggery and violence.
It urged young people to embrace compassion, cooperation, education, enterprise and peaceful participation in the political process rather than allowing themselves to be used as instruments of violence.
The group further called on citizens to become ambassadors of peace in their homes, workplaces and communities, particularly as the country approaches another round of elections.
It stressed the need for political disagreements to be handled without intimidation, harassment or violence.
Group Opposes Agitation for Fadahunsi's Recall
The Osun Pro Youth Frontiers also addressed the ongoing agitation for the recall of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, appealing to those behind the move to reconsider their position.
The group described Senator Fadahunsi as “our father” and argued that citizens dissatisfied with an elected representative should make use of established constitutional and electoral processes, including the opportunity to vote and seek elective office.
It acknowledged that Fadahunsi's controversial statement was unacceptable and regrettable but noted that the Senator had apologised.
The group said, in the spirit of Omoluabi, an apology should create room for reconciliation, forgiveness and healing.
It, however, stressed that this position should not be interpreted as opposition to accountability, maintaining that elected representatives should be held accountable through lawful, constitutional and peaceful means.
The group also urged citizens to consider what it described as Senator Fadahunsi's years of service and contributions to Nigeria and the Osun East Senatorial District when assessing the controversy.
Call for Collective Responsibility
The organisation called on traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, security agencies and the media to work together to rebuild trust and promote peaceful coexistence.
It also urged the media to promote responsible journalism, discourage inflammatory rhetoric and provide platforms for constructive dialogue.
According to the group, Ijesaland has a long history of civilisation, enterprise and peaceful coexistence, which should not be undermined by political disagreements.
The spokesperson concluded with a call for citizens to choose peace, dialogue and unity, stressing the need to protect the lives, dignity and future of the younger generation.
The group ended its message with the slogan:
“Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!”
Osun Pro Youth Frontiers
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