The Ede Elders Council has called on politicians in the ancient town to prioritise peace, unity, and development over actions capable of inciting violence and division.
The President of the Council, Alhaji Sulaimon Ademola Adebayo, made the appeal during a parley with political stakeholders following recent tensions linked to disagreements over the siting of a development project.
Addressing representatives of the feuding groups, Adebayo stressed that leadership demands sacrifice, tolerance, and respect for differing views.
“Good leadership is not about self-serving interests. It requires patience, forbearance, and the ability to accommodate opposing opinions without resorting to violence,” he said.
The meeting was convened in response to what the elders described as a near breakdown of law and order in the town, traditionally known for its peaceful coexistence.
In a statement issued by the Council’s Director of Publicity, Chief Dr Ayodele Adeyemo, the elders reiterated the age-long saying, “yara kan soso ni Ede,” underscoring the unity and shared heritage of the people.
Adeyemo warned against the misuse of social media to inflame tensions or malign individuals.
“The indiscriminate use of social media to spread discord or tarnish reputations is condemnable and must be discouraged by all well-meaning citizens,” he said.
The elders also shifted attention to the plight of residents affected by recent rainstorms that destroyed homes and displaced families across parts of the town.
Adebayo urged both government agencies and well-meaning individuals to provide urgent assistance to victims, specifically calling on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA) to intervene.
“Our immediate concern should be how to assist those rendered homeless by the disaster. We must come together to provide relief materials and support to affected families,” he added.
He further appealed to indigenes of Ede, both at home and in the diaspora, to mobilise resources to cushion the effects of the disaster.
Leaders of the opposing political groups, Hon Adeyemi Elliott and Hon Lukman Afolabi, commended the elders for their timely intervention and pledged commitment to maintaining peace in the community.
They also acknowledged the role of the Timi of Ede, Oba Dr Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, in restoring calm.
“With the intervention of our royal father and the elders, we are committed to ensuring that peace and tranquillity continue to reign in Ede,” the leaders said.
The duo further disclosed plans to conduct an assessment of properties destroyed by the storm, with a view to presenting the findings to relevant authorities at both state and federal levels for assistance.
The elders expressed optimism that sustained dialogue and collective responsibility would preserve the long-standing unity and serenity of the town.
