The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has appealed for peace and unity ahead of the Osun governorship election. This call comes as the election draws near, with the voting set to take place on August 15.

The Ooni, who made this appeal in a statement, was represented by the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Oba Adekola Adeyeye. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, irrespective of political affiliations, while describing Ile-Ife as the spiritual and historical cradle of the Yoruba race.

Ile-Ife remains the source and ancestral home of the Yoruba people, the Ooni noted. He stated that the city's historical significance is evident in the fact that the late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi served as governor of the old Western Region, and his remarkable contributions are felt not only in Ile-Ife but throughout Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

Since the late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi left office, Ile-Ife has not experienced the level of development that befits its status as the cradle of the Yoruba race, the Ooni further said. He appealed to politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electioneering period.

We appeal to all political parties, candidates and supporters to shun violence, avoid bloodshed and remain patient, the Ooni said. Elections should not divide our people or cost anyone his or her life, he cautioned.

The party that chose Ile-Ife as the starting point of its governorship campaign is the African Democratic Congress. According to its national secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the city's cultural and historical importance to the Yoruba race is the reason for this choice.

Ile-Ife remains our source, Aregbesola said. The ADC party first visited the palace in 2004, and since then, they have consistently sought the blessing of the Ooni before embarking on major political activities.

The ADC party is not the only one that sees the importance of Ile-Ife. Many other political parties in Osun have also recognized the city's historical significance and have sought its royal blessings.

### Key Facts

  • The Osun governorship election is set to take place on August 15.
  • The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has appealed for peace and unity ahead of the election.
  • Ile-Ife is the spiritual and historical cradle of the Yoruba race.
  • The late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi served as governor of the old Western Region.
  • The ADC party first visited the palace in 2004, and has since sought the royal blessing of the Ooni before embarking on major political activities.