Political stakeholders, community leaders, and residents of Iwoye-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State have united in a firm commitment to promote peaceful elections and prevent political violence ahead of upcoming state elections. The group, comprising representatives from major political parties including the All Progressives Congress, Accord, African Democratic Congress, and Peoples Democratic Party, held an inter-party peace meeting to strengthen community cohesion and ensure a violence-free electoral process. A communiqué issued after the meeting emphasized the need for early sensitization, vigilance against external agitators, and responsible leadership from political actors.
The meeting, convened by Dideolu Falobi, underscored the importance of maintaining the peace and stability that Iwoye-Ijesa has long been known for. Falobi highlighted reported incidents of political tension in nearby towns such as Ilesa, Ede, Ikire, and Iwo, which have raised concerns about the potential spread of violence. He stressed that proactive measures are essential to protect the community’s reputation and unity. “We consider it imperative to begin early sensitisation and mobilisation for peaceful elections so that our community remains united and insulated from violence and divisive politics,” Falobi stated during the gathering.
Iwoye-Ijesa has a proud history of peace, particularly during the turbulent “Operation Wetie” political crisis of the 1960s, when the town was the only one in Ijesaland that did not experience killings or house burnings. Falobi attributed the town’s development and progress over the years to unity, cooperation, and collective efforts by its residents and their families. He urged all political party members and supporters to uphold peaceful conduct throughout the election period, avoiding violence, intimidation, hate speech, and property destruction.
Other speakers, including Kehinde Falore, Taiwo Falobi, Oladele Opeyemi, and Foyeke Fasugba, emphasized the critical role of women in fostering peaceful elections. They advocated for politics grounded in love, tolerance, and mutual respect, and called for sustained awareness campaigns against political violence. They also urged heightened vigilance against external forces attempting to destabilize the community.
The Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa, Oba Adewumi Ogidiolu, commended the initiative and expressed full support for efforts aimed at preserving peace. He appealed to all residents and political actors to embrace fairness, tolerance, and mutual understanding during the electioneering period. The communiqué, signed by Falobi, serves as a formal pledge from the community to uphold peace and ensure free, fair, and violence-free elections in Osun State.
This collective resolve reflects a strong commitment to democratic values and community safety, setting a positive example for other regions in Nigeria. As the election season approaches, Iwoye-Ijesa’s proactive stance may inspire similar initiatives across the country, reinforcing the importance of peace in democratic processes.
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