The Owa of Igbajo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. A.S.K. Makinde (Ph.D., M.Sc., FCA, FCTI, CFE), Onigemo I, has appealed to political leaders, party members, youths and residents of Igbajo and neighbouring communities to maintain peace and decorum before, during and after the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.

 

In a royal message issued from his palace, the monarch described elections as a contest of ideas rather than violence, stressing that the exercise should be an opportunity to count votes and not lives lost.

 

He urged all political actors to reject bitterness and inflammatory rhetoric capable of dividing the community.

 

"What is said on campaign podiums, social media and in the streets can either unite or divide us. Let us avoid language that turns neighbours against one another," the monarch said.

 

Oba Makinde also called on politicians to respect the sanctity of human life and public property, warning against the sponsorship of thuggery, arming of youths and destruction of campaign materials or community assets.

 

According to him, no political office or ambition is worth the blood of any son or daughter of Igbajo.

 

The traditional ruler further advised political parties and their supporters to embrace peace throughout the electoral process, urging winners to remain humble and losers to seek legal redress where necessary instead of resorting to violence.

 

He emphasised that politics should never destroy the unity that has sustained Igbajo over the years.

 

The monarch expressed concern over the misuse of young people during election periods, cautioning politicians against recruiting youths for violence and abandoning them after elections.

 

Instead, he encouraged stakeholders to empower young people to become ambassadors of peace and responsible leadership.

 

Oba Makinde reminded residents that Igbajo's existence transcends political contests, noting that generations before had built the community through sacrifice, self-help and communal living.

 

He urged political stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation, to work together to increase Igbajo's political relevance by encouraging eligible residents to register and participate in the electoral process.

 

The monarch also appealed to sons and daughters of Igbajo at home and in the diaspora to support the ongoing reconstruction of the Igbajo Police Station and Magistrate Court, projects currently being championed by prominent families in the town.

 

He commended the contributors and called for wider public donations to ensure the successful completion of the projects.

 

On security, Oba Makinde disclosed that plans to recruit local vigilantes (Olode) had been suspended until after the election to prevent the security outfit from being politicised during the campaign period.

 

He therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and embrace community policing by reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

 

"Our mantra remains: 'If you see something, say something.' Let us all be our brother's keeper because we are one family," he said.

 

The monarch prayed for a peaceful governorship election on August 15, expressing hope that the will of the people would prevail without violence or bloodshed.

 

He concluded his message by urging residents to always put the interest of Igbajo above political differences, saying, "Think Igbajo first. We have only one Igbajo. Let us preserve its peace and unity for generations to come."