Oba Kesari the Olu Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State has appealed to the indigenes of the State both the electorates, the political players and all stakeholders to totally eschew violence and embrace peace at the forthcoming 2024 Local Government Election that comes up on Saturday the 16th November.
His Majesty Oba Dr. Adetokunbo GbadegeshinOkikiola Tejuosho (PhD DPhil) who is the OluKemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, in a statement signed and released by his Chief Press Secretary Ayotunde Ogundiran that was handed over to the press in his Palace todayduring the Pre local government Election visit.
Narrated that it has become imperative to remind all and sundry especially, the electorates in Ogunstate at large that electoral malpractices and violence should not be the other of the day in our state. He advised all intending voters to abide by law as they exercise their civil right and responsibilities. They must cast their votes and elect their leaders free from any inducements or prejudice.
Kabiyesi also urge the youth of electoral age to come out in numbers and vote for their preferred candidates, but to ensure that they shun violence and not allow the politicians to use them as tools to scuffle or disrupt the election at various Local Government. He advises that the youth should not see the differences in political parties and individuals as reasons for violence, but should seize the opportunity to vote and elect a befitting candidate who will ensure dividends of democracy at grassroots.
The political class must also desist from all belligerences and acrimony, they should demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship as they are the images that those upcoming youths are looking up to. In his words (they will emulate you in whatever you do as their political figures and follow your footsteps).
The revered monarch also sends words of advice to the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission,OGSIEC. To ensure, not to undermine, as well as to adhere to the oath of office they sworn to in order to ensure the election for the local government across the length and breadth of the state is conducted freely and fairly.
He particularly called on the chairman of the Electoral body in the state Mr. Babatunde Osibodu,to remind all the staff of the formation of their roles according to section 197 sub-section 1 (b) of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, as well as the Ogun State Electoral law 2007 (as amended). Which empowers the Commission to organize, undertake and supervise all elections to Local Government Councils in the State in accordance with the provisions of the Law or any enactment, guidelines, rules or manuals issued or made by the Commission thereof to conduct all elections to Local Government Councils in the State that will be credible, free and fair, and to perform other responsibities supportive to the electoral process.
His Majesty Adetokunbo Tejuosho called on residents of the state to come out in their numbers and exercise their civic responsibility without any intimidation, violence or vote trading.
The monarch also called on all the security agencies to be at alert should incase any moves of violence and maintaining law and order within the state during and after election.
He said, voter’s apathy is the lack of interest in participating in elections by voters, thereby low turnout will not effect any change/s in the system and the people governing us.
The Royal father advised all candidates to accept the outcome of the election once it is adjudged free, fair, and credible.
