Ekiti election: Ooni, British Envoy warn against violence

The Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has warned the people of Ekiti State against acts of violence before and during the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state slated to hold on Saturday, saying if the election is bloody, other states will be affected too.

The Co-Chairman of the National Council Of Traditional rulers of Nigeria made this admonition Wednesday evening at his Ile-Oodua palace, Ile-Ife while hosting the British High-Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Paul Arkwright.

He specifically urged the youths of the state to refuse to be used as agents of electoral violence and criminality, saying they too have rights to occupy the public offices of leadership such as governorship or presidency in the nearest future.

“What I heard happening in Ekiti State during this electioneering period does not make me happy as their father. Enough of crisis, we do not want any crisis in Yorubaland, where there is violence, progress and tranquility will be deprived, but where there is peace, there is progress,” Ooni stated.

“I specifically warn all youths in Ekiti state to maintain peaceful coexistence before, during and after the election, as brighter future awaits them if they productively discover themselves.

“Youths must refuse to be used for political violence that waste their lives, because they too can become governor or President of the country in the neatest future” He added.

Speaking in the same vein, the visiting British envoy, Paul Arkwright who is also the United Kingdom Chief Observer to Nigeria on the oncoming gubernatorial election in Ekiti State has called for free, fair, credible and peaceful election in Ekiti State on Saturday.

He said the purpose of his coming was based on observing conduct of Ekiti gubernatorial election which preceded 2019 Presidential by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The British High Commissioner appealed to all and sundry to remain calm and shun electoral violence, saying crisis could not add any value to the growth and development of the state.

According to him, British government has no interest in any party or any aspirant, but is determined to ensure that the election was successful without any hitch.

Arkwright tasked all security agencies not to be bias, but should ensure they remain independent and maintain peaceful environment across the state for the electorates and the INEC officials.

He expressed further that all other international colleagues will be around to observe the conduct of Ekiti gubernatorial election on Saturday, urging the indigenes to support the observers and INEC officials for the success of the election.

While presenting a gift of African Artefact to the British Commissioner, Ogunwusi appreciated and welcomed him to the cradle of Yoruba race which is the oldest race in the world. He confirmed that everything started from Ife Kingdom, saying continent of Africa belongs to all and sundry.