The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, CON, has urged political stakeholders, electoral authorities, security agencies and residents of Osun State to work together to ensure a peaceful governorship election in 2026.
The monarch made the appeal while receiving members of the KIMPACT Development Initiative Peace Committee at his palace in Kuta, where he also spoke with journalists and members of the Olowu Council.
Describing Osun State as a state blessed by God, Oba Makama warned that political activities should not be allowed to undermine the peace enjoyed across the state.
“Osun is a state loved by God. We don’t want disruption of peace,” the monarch said, calling on the Federal Government to take necessary steps to guarantee a peaceful electoral process.
He noted that any escalation of political tension before, during or after the election could weaken public confidence in the process and discourage eligible voters from exercising their constitutional rights.
The Olowu also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carefully consider the implications of its decisions in conducting the election, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process would play a major role in determining public acceptance of the outcome.
He equally charged security and law enforcement agencies to provide adequate protection for voters and other participants, ensuring that citizens can exercise their franchise without fear, intimidation or violence.
“There are eyes on Osun. I urge the electoral body to know that whatever steps they take will determine a good outcome. I task the security forces and law enforcement agencies to let our people vote in peace,” he said.
Oba Makama encouraged eligible voters across the state to come out and participate fully in the election, expressing optimism that every legitimate vote would be counted and respected.
The traditional ruler added that traditional institutions and other stakeholders would continue to engage communities on the importance of peaceful participation, saying efforts to preserve peace must continue before, during and after the election.
He called on political candidates, party supporters, electoral officials, security personnel and voters to embrace dialogue, tolerance and restraint throughout the electoral process.
Speaking during the visit, the Secretary of the KIMPACT Peace Committee, Mr. Dare Adeyanju, said the delegation chose to meet with the Olowu because of the important role traditional institutions play in promoting peace and unity across Osun State.
“Everywhere we’ve been to, they told us to go and meet with your Majesty. That’s why we are here,” Adeyanju said.
He disclosed that the delegation included a representative of the Orangun of Oke-Ila, who serves as Chairman of the Peace Committee, alongside representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Police.
Adeyanju stressed that political differences should not destroy relationships among residents, noting that politicians would eventually leave office or move on after elections, while ordinary citizens would continue to live together in their communities.
“The political class will always move on after election, but we, the followers, are the problem. If we don’t live together unlike politicians, it means we are causing rancour within the society,” he said.
The KIMPACT Peace Committee therefore called on political actors, traditional rulers, security agencies, electoral officials and residents to place the collective interest of Osun State above partisan interests.
The committee urged all stakeholders to work towards ensuring that the 2026 Osun governorship election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, mutual respect and democratic participation.
The engagement is part of ongoing stakeholder consultations aimed at encouraging peaceful participation, strengthening public confidence in the electoral process and preventing political disagreements from escalating into violence ahead of the Osun governorship election.
