Traditionalists urge candidates to keep Osun election peaceful

The Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Osun State has warned politicians running in the August 15 governorship election. They advised candidates not to make the election a do-or-die affair.

During a press conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, the association shared this message after performing Ifa divination. They want to ensure a peaceful election and reduce the risk of kidnapping and violence in the state.

Dr Oluseyi Atanda, the president of TRWASO, detailed the Ifa message. Many respected Ifa priests, including Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, were present. He stated that the next governor must be ready to handle insults and accept different opinions.

Dr Atanda also mentioned that the oracle instructed prayers for a peaceful election. He confirmed that the necessary rituals suggested by Ifa had already been performed to ensure a smooth election process.

“Ifa says Osun State shall be great, Osun shall rise and prosper in the hands of the incoming Governor, but who will emerge is that one who is large-hearted to accommodate insults and embarrassments.

“Ifa reassures that with trust, belief, and obedience in the words of God, the upcoming election will not spill blood out of proportion. Ifa says it is true that all are wary and concerned with the spate of violence.

“Ifa asks all stakeholders, politicians and indigenes of Osun not to sit on the fence. We should all get involved and play our roles for a successful conduct of a free and fair election in Osun State,” Atanda said.

Talking about the rising violence related to the election, the TRWASO President warned, “Ifa warns all governorship candidates against making this election a do-or-die affair.

“This act may set Osun State ablaze. Ifa enjoins all citizens of all faiths to pray that such politicians should mellow down, and it is only God that appoints.”

He criticized traditional rulers who openly support specific candidates in the governorship race. He reminded them that as custodians of culture and tradition, they should be neutral and support all political interests.

On the issue of violent crime in the state, Atanda said Ifa urged traditional rulers to come together. They should call on the ancestors of the land to help protect Osun from these threats.

“Ifa says the words of Ifa are golden and carved in marble. Sooner or later, they all come to pass. Therefore, it warns all individuals and governments, especially those in the agricultural sector, to prepare for famine in the land. There is a need to focus on irrigation and fertilizers to improve farm yield.

“The EBO prescribed by Ifa and every Orisa veneration to achieve all the above information has been undertaken by TRWASO on behalf of all and sundry,” he added.

Reports from PUNCH Online show that Osun has seen an increase in violent crime. The upcoming governorship election has been pointed out as a reason for this rise.

In separate incidents, residents were killed in Ikire, Ilobu, Esa Oke and Osogbo by suspected political thugs and cultists believed to be operating with political backing in the state.