2027: Group urges Oyo politicians to shun volence

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes has urged politicians in Oyo State to shun violence and ensure peaceful electioneering ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, gave the advice in a statement issued by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday.

Ajewole expressed the council’s displeasure over recent violent clashes between supporters of political parties in the Molete area of Ibadan.

He condemned the attacks, warning that “such actions could threaten peace and security in the state”.

“We urge politicians not to return Ibadan and Oyo at large to the era of wanton killings and destruction of lives and property. We, therefore, call on candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and respect the rights of others, regardless of their political affiliations.

“The campaigns should be issue-based, with politicians presenting their manifestoes to the electorate and explaining how they intend to address the people’s needs.

“We also urge all candidates, political parties and their supporters to embrace peaceful engagement and allow voters to make informed choices without intimidation or violence,” he advised.

Ajewole also urged political leaders to caution their supporters against inflammatory statements and actions capable of escalating tensions during the campaign period.

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“Political ambition should not be pursued at the expense of the lives and property of the people. We must all recognise that the peace of Ibadan and Oyo is a collective responsibility that must be protected by everyone,” he added.

The council also urged security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that those involved in political violence were brought to justice in accordance with the law.

PUNCH Online reports that some hoodlums attacked supporters of the Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, during a procession in the Molete area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area on Wednesday.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with PUNCH Online on Wednesday.

He said, “I am aware of the attacks. The loyalists of Hamzat were ambushed during a peaceful procession at Molete end of the ancient city.”