The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has called on politicians in Oyo State to avoid violence and promote peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council’s President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, made the appeal in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan on Saturday.
Ajewole expressed concern over recent clashes between supporters of political parties in the Molete area of Ibadan, warning that such incidents could threaten peace and security across the state.
He urged politicians to prevent a return to the era of killings and destruction of lives and property, calling on candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and respect people’s rights regardless of their political affiliations.
The CCII leader also stressed the need for issue-based campaigns, urging candidates to present their manifestoes and explain how they intend to address the needs of the electorate.
He encouraged political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement and allow voters to make informed choices without intimidation or violence.
Ajewole further called on political leaders to caution their supporters against inflammatory statements and actions capable of heightening tensions during the campaign period.
He maintained that political ambitions should not come at the expense of human lives and property, adding that protecting peace in Ibadan and Oyo State was a collective responsibility.
The council also urged security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that anyone found responsible for political violence was prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The appeal followed an attack on supporters of the Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, during a procession in the Molete area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area on Wednesday.
The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident, saying Hamzat’s supporters were ambushed during what he described as a peaceful procession.
