By Sikiru Obarayese
Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba (Dr.) AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, has admonished supporters of various political parties to exercise maturity in their conducts before, during and after the September 22 governorship election in the state.
Oba Akanbi warned electorates especially his immediate subjects in Iwo to respect political value devoid of violence, noting that the world is advanced beyond launching attack on opponent to express dissatisfaction.
In a statement by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch condemned political violence in its totality, calling on leaders of various political parties to re-orientate their members to embrace the culture of peaceful election.
The statement notes “I’m appealing to the electorates to respect the rules of election, eschew political violence, display spirit of sportsmanship and maturity for a peaceful exercise. Any grievances should be directed to law enforcement agencies. No one is immune to law. The best route to peaceful poll is respect for the rules and regulations of the game”
“Election is a platform to elect leaders. A nation bedeviled with violence, arson and maiming in the process of electing her leaders will never proceed solely because it takes few hours to destroy what they laboured for years”
“Iwo is an ancient city known for peace and respect for truth. Past experience is a lesson. No arson and violence will be tolerated. I’m appealing now because to be forewarned is to avoid falling on trap. Neither life nor house is worth to be sacrificed for any politician”
“I implored you to be focused, aim high and pursue your dream to the fullest rather than allow yourself to be used as political instrument of destruction”
“Political violence is an affront on democracy. The federal government has strengthened the security agencies to decimate, address and instituted a severe penalty for any Nigerian culpable of disrupting public peace before, during and after every poll”
Oba Akanbi said no complaint will be tolerated should anyone still found culpable of violence after the appeal.
The monarch assured his subjects of utmost protection as he urged them to be law abiding.
