Polls: Ooni warns youths against violence, as political cult groups attack residents
…Urges traditional rulers, security agents to be apolitical
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 during a Press Conference, on Thursday in Ile-Ife, saying that there are no benefits or gains in killing and destruction of lives and properties.
He said,“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 disrupt peace of the nation.”
Ooni said he knows things are really hard, especially the Naira and fuel scarcity, and basic survival of the common man, and stated that, “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 urged all citizens to be law abiding and put the love of the Country first.
“The love of our country supercedes all interests. The political leaders will come and go. We are the people to change the old system.
“The security men should be patriotic umpires. We should not take sides or be agents of bullying people. We should not have preference for any candidate. We should leave everything to the electorates 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 carry out their civic duty as the situation is tough.
“Power belongs to every citizen of our dear country and exercise your right peacefully and vote.
“All umpires should be fair and neutral to all, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a credible poll,” he said.
He called on traditional rulers to play a role of ancestors, stressing that they should be apolitical.
“We should be very neutral and not to take sides because power belongs to the people.
“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 is not by force that you want to serve the people of this Country.
“For every loser, 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 foment trouble does not love this Country and that is the truth.
“Whatever position you find yourself today, let’s 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.
Meanwhile, there was pandemonium yesterday in Ile Ife as cult groups took advantage of grand finale rally of the Peoples Democratic Party to attack residents. The cultists fighting for supremacy at Fajuyi, Lagere roundabout and Aderemi road used cutlasses and guns to inflict injury on passersby.
