OSOGBO — The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Iba Gani Adams, has appealed to political leaders in Osun State to caution their supporters against violence, intimidation and other forms of electoral misconduct ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Adams made the call on Friday in Osogbo while speaking at a reception organised by the Oodua Peoples Congress for its members and other participants who attended the grand finale of the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival.
The Yoruba traditional title holder expressed concern over politically related killings recently recorded in the state, but said he would not join those trading accusations over who was responsible.
According to him, the priority should be to prevent further loss of lives before, during and after the election.
“Power is transient; power is momentary. We should not, because we are looking for power, kill a soul,” Adams said.
He urged political actors to approach the election with restraint, stressing that events surrounding the Osun governorship poll could become a reference point for future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.
“I am appealing to them that this election should be a peaceful election. Anything that happens in this election will be a reference to the general election,” he said.
Adams also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to remain neutral and ensure that all candidates are given a fair and equal opportunity throughout the electoral process.
He warned that the conduct of the Osun election would have implications for public confidence in INEC and could influence how Nigerians assess the commission’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
“We don’t need bloodshed in Yorubaland. We want a peaceful atmosphere for the election, and INEC should be neutral because anything INEC does in this election will shape people’s mindset towards the general election,” he added.
Adams Calls for Greater Federal Support for Osun-Osogbo Festival
Beyond the election, Adams called on the Federal Government to increase its support and involvement in the Osun-Osogbo Festival, describing cultural tourism as an important avenue for promoting Nigeria’s image internationally.
He noted that the annual festival, which attracts participants and visitors from different parts of the country and beyond, could contribute more significantly to Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and tourism development if properly supported.
“The Federal Government should come in. Because what I saw over the past three years, I do not see a reflection of the Federal Government. It is only the host community with the participants that come from different locations and the state government,” he said.
Adams urged the Federal Government, Osun State Government and the host community to introduce fresh ideas and improve the content of the festival to make it more attractive to international visitors.
He said the festival’s recognition by UNESCO should encourage greater investment and institutional support.
“UNESCO has recognised it. I don’t know what the Federal Government is waiting for. Also, the state government and the community should do more. The content of the festival should be improved upon. We can’t continue to have the same content every year,” Adams said.
He added that a stronger focus on cultural tourism could help project a more positive image of Nigeria globally, particularly at a time when international coverage of the country often focuses on negative developments.
Security Tightened at Osun-Osogbo Grove
Meanwhile, security was intensified around the ancient Osun-Osogbo Grove as the annual cultural festival reached its grand finale in Osogbo on Friday.
Armed police personnel were deployed along the road leading to the grove from the Olaiya-Ita-Olokan axis, while security operatives were stationed at strategic points to monitor movement in and around the festival venue.
Military personnel were also positioned at the final entrance to the grove as worshippers, traditionalists, tourists and other participants arrived for the celebration.
The heightened security presence was aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly conclusion to the festival, particularly as the event coincided with heightened political activities in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the successful completion of the traditional procession by the newly appointed votary maiden, Osunbunmi Moradeke.
Unlike the previous year’s ceremony, when the maiden reportedly experienced difficulty carrying the sacred calabash from the Osun shrine at the Ataoja’s Palace to the grove, Moradeke successfully completed the procession this year.
She was accompanied by Osun adherents, traditionalists and security personnel during the journey to the grove.
The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh, alongside other traditional rulers, dignitaries and guests, later arrived at the sacred grove for the concluding activities of the festival.
The Osun-Osogbo Festival remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional and cultural celebrations, drawing devotees, tourists and cultural enthusiasts to Osogbo annually.
