The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams, has appealed to politicians in Osun State to discourage their supporters from engaging in violence before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.
Drivetvnews gathered that Adams made the appeal on Friday in Osogbo during a reception organised by the OPC for its members and other participants at the grand finale of the annual Osun Osogbo Festival.
While refusing to blame any individual or group for recent politically motivated killings in the state, Adams stressed the need to prevent further loss of lives as the election approaches.
He described political power as temporary and urged politicians not to resort to violence in their pursuit of political office.
Adams said the conduct of the Osun election would also be important in shaping public confidence in the 2027 general elections.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to remain neutral, ensure fairness and provide equal opportunities for all participating candidates.
According to him, there was no need for bloodshed in Yorubaland, adding that the actions of INEC during the election would influence how Nigerians perceive its readiness for the 2027 polls.
Adams also appealed to the Federal Government to take a more active role in the Osun Osogbo Festival, describing cultural tourism as an important avenue for improving Nigeria’s international image.
He said greater collaboration between the Federal Government, Osun State Government and the host community could help improve the festival and attract more international attention.
Adams noted that despite the festival’s recognition by UNESCO, the level of Federal Government participation over the past three years had not reflected its importance.
He urged the stakeholders to introduce new ideas and improve the content of the annual event instead of repeating the same activities every year.
Meanwhile, security was tightened around the Osun-Osogbo Grove on Friday as the annual festival commenced in Osogbo.
Armed police officers were deployed along the road leading to the grove from the Olaiya-Ita-Olokan Road, while security personnel were positioned at different points to monitor movement around the venue.
Military personnel were also stationed at the final entrance to the grove as worshippers, traditionalists and other participants arrived for the celebration.
The newly appointed votary maiden, Osunbunmi Moradeke, also successfully carried the sacred calabash from the Osun shrine at the Ataoja’s Palace to the grove, completing the procession without the difficulty experienced during the previous year’s festival.
She was accompanied by Osun adherents, traditionalists and security personnel before the arrival of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh, and other guests at the grove.
