In advance of the state’s upcoming elections, political stakeholders, community leaders, and citizens of Iwoye-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area, Osun State, have decided to increase awareness of political violence.
Additionally, the stakeholders urged political party leaders and candidates to exercise responsible leadership during the election process and demanded increased vigilance against outside forces attempting to destabilise the community.
The resolutions were included in a communiqué that was released at the conclusion of an interparty peace conference that was held in order to encourage peaceful political participation prior to, during, and following the elections as well as harmony and tolerance.
Dideolu Falobi, the meeting’s convener, signed the communiqué.
Participants, including representatives of the All Progressives Congress, Accord, African Democratic Congress, and Peoples Democratic Party, promised to act as ambassadors of peace and cooperate to ensure elections were held in a setting free from violence, intimidation, and hatred, according to a copy of the communiqué that was obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday.
Speaking to the crowd, Falobi stated that the need to maintain the peace and stability for which Iwoye-Ijesa is renowned, as well as the reported incidents in Ilesa, Ede, Ikire, and Iwo, made the initiative necessary.
“We believe it is essential to start early sensitisation and mobilisation for peaceful elections so that our community remains united and insulated from violence and divisive politics,” he stated.
During the turbulent “Operation Wetie” political crisis of the 1960s, Falobi said that Iwoye-Ijesa was the only town in Ijesaland that did not record killings or witness house burning.
He claims that “unity, cooperation, and the collective efforts of its sons, daughters, and supportive in-laws have made the development recorded in the town over the years.”
Falobi urged all political party members and supporters to behave civilly during the election period and refrain from acts of violence, intimidation, hate speech, and property destruction.
In separate statements, Kehinde Falore, Taiwo Falobi, Oladele Opeyemi, and Foyeke Fasugba emphasised the importance of women actively participating in the promotion of peaceful elections and promoted politics based on tolerance, love, and respect for one another.
Additionally, the speakers urged political parties and their candidates to exercise responsible leadership, raise awareness of political violence, and be more vigilant against outside forces attempting to destabilise the community.
Oba Adewumi Ogidiolu, the Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa, praised the project and offered support for initiatives meant to maintain community harmony.
Throughout the electioneering process, Oba Adewumi also urged locals and political players to embrace justice, tolerance, and understanding.
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