Osun Poll: INEC Chief Enlists Ooni, Traditional Rulers To Curb Election Violence
With political tension rising ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has enlisted the support of the Ooni of Ife and other traditional rulers to promote peace and discourage electoral violence.
During a courtesy visit to the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife on Tuesday, the first engagement of his five-day election readiness tour, Prof. Amupitan described the poll as a crucial test run for the 2027 general election.
He urged royal fathers to use their influence to caution politicians and their supporters against violence, vote-buying, misinformation and other electoral offences.
“The blood of one innocent person is not worth a governorship election,” the INEC Chairman said, assuring voters that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would be fully deployed to guarantee credible voting.
Responding, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, acknowledged growing political tension in the state and called on INEC to ensure a free, fair and transparent election capable of restoring public confidence.
The visit is part of a series of stakeholder engagements ahead of the election, including an expanded stakeholders’ meeting and the signing of a peace accord by political parties and candidates.
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