Ede Elders Sue for Peace, Call for Non-Violent Osun Governorship Election
EDE — The Ede Elders Council (Igbimo Agbaagba Omo Ilu Ede) has appealed to sons and daughters of Ede, as well as all eligible voters in the community, to ensure a peaceful and violence-free conduct of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
The appeal was made by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ede Descendants Union and President of Ede Elders Council, Alhaji Sulaimon Ademola Adebayo, following a peace meeting held in Ede with relevant stakeholders ahead of the election.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Publicity Director of the Ede Elders Council, Chief Dr Ayodele Adeyemo, JP, Adebayo urged eligible voters to turn out massively to exercise their civic responsibilities and vote for candidates of their choice without rancour, intimidation or violence.
He said the call became necessary in view of the need to preserve the unity and peaceful coexistence of the people of Ede, irrespective of their political affiliations.
At the peace meeting, which was attended by prominent Ede personalities, Adebayo acknowledged and commended the contributions of patriotic sons and daughters of the town in politics, academia, industry, commerce, security, culture, entertainment and other sectors.
He noted that the contributions of Ede indigenes in various fields had continued to enhance the development and global prominence of the ancient town.
Adebayo said, “Ede is a renowned Omoluabi town whose unity in love must not be jeopardised by political differences. Political leaning or choice is personal and must be respected.
“This was why the intervention and appeals by Ede Elders and the leadership of Ede Descendants Union were necessary and appropriate.”
The elders said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, during which the participants voluntarily pledged their commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Ede before, during and after the governorship election.
They also expressed appreciation for what they described as the timely intervention and appeals of the leadership of the Ede Elders Council and Ede Descendants Union Worldwide.
According to the statement, the stakeholders recognised the elders as “torch bearers and pathfinders” whose interventions were aimed at safeguarding the unity, peace and development of Ede.
The council therefore urged all political actors, supporters and residents of Ede to place the interests of the community above partisan differences and allow every eligible voter to freely exercise their franchise.
