Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, has made an appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible, transparent and acceptable elections in order to justify citizens’ trust in the commission.
In a press conference held on Friday at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the monarch, who is also the co-chairman of the National Traditional Council of Nigeria, called on citizens, especially youths, to act in a civil and law-abiding manner during the elections and to avoid any form of violence that could compromise the integrity of the exercise.
The Ooni expressed empathy towards Nigerians for the challenges caused by the naira notes redesign policy and fuel scarcity, and encouraged citizens to prioritize their love for the country while exercising their civic rights during the elections.
He also implored politicians to refrain from voter intimidation, and urged security agencies to carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and patriotism, without taking sides or bullying voters during the electoral process.
Additionally, the Ooni urged other traditional rulers throughout the country to remain neutral and apolitical, allowing their subjects to freely vote for the party or candidate of their choice.
