Election: Ooni Cautions Politicians Against Violence, Tasks Monarchs To Be Neutral

 

Ismaeel Uthman

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has warned politicians against violent conduct before, during and after the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

Oba Ogunwusi who is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), made the call yesterday, during a ‘State of the Nation’ broadcast which he hosted at his Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, State of Osun.

In a statement signed by the Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the foremost traditional ruler said no politician can force his or herself on the people, urging the political actors to shun desperation. 

He said: “No politician can force him or herself on Nigerians and this is why our politicians should avoid being desperate in their quest for power. If you don’t win today, it may be your turn tomorrow and this is why I am imploring office seekers not to destroy tomorrow with inactions of today.

“I call on Nigerians, especially the youth population which is the largest to partake in the polls not to violate any of the processes. The country has already been through a lot, including the recent fuel scarcity among others, we cannot afford more trouble.

“The umpires, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must work to give Nigerians a free, fair and credible polls, while the security agents should maintain their status as defender of our constitution by creating enabling environment and not bully electorate.

“To we traditional rulers, I implore us to remain apolitical and neutral as fathers that we are to all politicians and electorate. We must not be seen promoting political parties or politicians.” 

The Ooni had on Wednesday during an interactive session with politicians in Ifeland declared that he has no preferred candidate in the forthcoming elections.

He condemned the reported political violent attacks in some parts of the country particularly in Ile-Ife, stressing that Nigerians must be patriotic in their conduct always.

Oba Ogunwusi charged the security agencies to ensure the arrest of perpetrators of violence and other criminal activities before, during and after the polls in the interest of law and order.