Before, during, and after the general elections in 2023, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has advised politicians against engaging in violent behavior.
The Ooni, who serves as co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), made the announcement yesterday during a state of the nation broadcast that he hosted at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, which is located in Osun State. He hosted the broadcast.
Ooni disclosed that he does not have a favorite candidate for the upcoming elections during an interactive session with politicians in Ifeland held at his Ile-Oodua palace.
He criticized the political violent attacks that have been reported in some parts of the country, particularly in Ile-Ife. He also said that Nigerians must always act patriotically, and he asked the security agencies to make sure that people who do violence and other illegal activities are caught before, during, and after the elections to keep law and order.
He stated, “No politician can force himself or herself on Nigerians, so our politicians should avoid being desperate in their pursuit of power.”
Because it could be your turn tomorrow if you don’t win today, I urge candidates for office not to ruin tomorrow by not doing anything today.
“I appeal to Nigerians, particularly the largest segment of the population, the youth, to participate in the elections in accordance with the constitution and not violate any of the procedures. The nation has already experienced a lot, including the recent shortage of fuel among other things. We can handle more problems.
“The umpires, in particular the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), need to work toward providing Nigerians with free, fair, and credible elections. Meanwhile, security personnel need to maintain their status as defenders of our Constitution by creating an environment that is conducive to voting rather than intimidating voters.
“As fathers to all politicians and electorates, I implore us, the traditional rulers, to remain apolitical and neutral.” We must not appear to be supporting politicians or political parties.
