The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, and other traditional rulers in the Osun West Senatorial District have appealed to politicians to ensure the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s governorship election.
The monarchs gathered on Wednesday to offer prayers for President Bola Tinubu following the Federal Government’s approval of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan and Osogbo-Akoda-Gbongan road projects.
They also offered prayers for the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, recognising his instrumental role in facilitating the road approvals.
Amid the gathering, the monarch issued a stern warning to political actors across Osun State, urging them to shun thuggery and bloodshed ahead of the 15 August governorship election.
Delivering a sobering message that captivated the audience, Oba Akanbi emphasised that no political office is worth the life of any Osun citizen.
“I am not a politician, but a traditional ruler. What I ask is for all aspirants and their followers in every party to sheathe their swords in Osun. Stop killing each other. Seek peace.
“An election will come on Saturday and pass, but if you do not live to tell the story, it will be a permanent loss to you,” the monarch said.
The royal father’s remarks served as a sharp reminder of past electoral violence in the state. Making his stance unmistakable, he warned of spiritual consequences for perpetrators of political violence.
“If you do otherwise, I personally will invoke the wrath and curses of Almighty God, and even upon your families, against anyone who kills our children in Osun. All Osun residents are our children, and we reject all these distressing reports coming out of the state,” he warned.
Turning to national politics, the Oluwo expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure a second term, asserting that Nigerians would reward his reform efforts.
He praised the country’s improved creditworthiness under Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as Nigeria’s best president since independence.
“Today, Nigeria is creditworthy; people will talk about the legacy of Tinubu. If you are not creditworthy, can you secure a loan? Look at NELFUND, local government autonomy, and the direct funds going to states. When funds go to states, they reach the grassroots, allowing the government to care for citizens and avoid selfishness.
“It was a bit tough in the beginning, but now we see durable road networks built to last over 60 years. Nigeria is transforming into a great nation under President Bola Tinubu,” he added.
Also addressing the gathering, the APC senatorial candidate, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, highlighted the significance of the event, explaining that the gathering was primarily organised to appreciate President Tinubu and Oyetola for finally awarding the Osogbo-Iwo road project after more than 15 years of abandonment.
He assured the people of Iwoland of the APC’s steadfast commitment to development.
“This road has been abandoned for the past 15 years. It was initiated during Oyetola’s administration and neglected by the Adeleke government. How much better will it be for us to align with the mainstream? In Iwoland, we are progressives to the core, and we have never lost an election,” he declared.
(The Sun)