2023 Elections: Ooni warns youths against violence
….Urges security agents to be neutral
By Jeleel Olawale
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has warned Nigerian youths against political violence before, during and after 2023 general elections.
Ooni gave the warning in his Palace at a press conference, on Thursday in Ile-Ife, saying that there’s no benefits or gain in killing and destruction of lives and properties.
He said that 2023 is another relevant moment in our dear country to elect leaders in the political space. “I want to urge all Nigerians especially our youths, the energy base of our nation to please not to be used to distrupt peace of the nation”.
Ooni said he knew that things were really hard, especially naira scarcity, fuel and basic survival of a common man. “I want to condemn all attacks that have been going on in the country. I am one of you, close to you and will forever champion your course”.
He stressed that another election has come, urged all citizens to be law abiding and put the love of our dear country first. The love of our country should supersede all other interests. The political leaders will come and go. We are the people to change the old system.
“The security men should be patriotic umpire. We should not take side or be agent of bullying people. We should not have preference for any candidate. We should leave everything to electorate to vote for their choice. This is not the time to oppress citizens of this country. The security men should treat citizens well for them to carryout their civic duty as the situation is tough.
“Power belongs to every citizen of our dear country and exercise your right to be on quene peacefully and vote. All umpires should be fair and neutral to all especially Independent National Electoral commission to conduct a credible poll”, Ooni declared.
He called on traditional rulers to play a role that our ancestors have played even before the birth of our dear nation, stressing that they are the fathers of this country and should be apolitical.
“We should be very neutral and not to take side because power belongs to the people. Power belongs to the electorate and every law abiding citizen of this country should vote whoever to they want to vote for.
“The real power is in their hands not in any of us because Nigeria is greater than any of us either you are aspiring for political office or otherwise. The country’s love should be paramount in our heart. It shouldn’t be by force to serve the people.
“For every looser, there must be a winner and it is only one that will emerge. Let the interest of the nation be above every interest. Any political leader that wants to forment trouble does not love this country and that is the truth. If you love this country and you don’t make it, let embrace one another because this country is bigger than all of us.
“Whatever position you find yourself today, let remember that people will be there after. Let us be patriotic and encourage our youths to do what is right. As Ooni of Ife, I want to appeal to your conscience youths and every citizen of this country to be patriotic in everything we do”,Ooni posited.
