The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers is set to meet with the Governorship candidates and other major stakeholders in the June 21 gubernatorial election in the state over the alarming spate of violence associated with the electioneering campaigns.
The Chairman of the Council, Oba Idowu Babalola who dropped this hint while addressing journalists at the Council of Obas’ chamber at the old Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti, expressed concern over what he described as an alarming spate of violence brought about by politicians since the commencement of political campaigns and rallies for the June 21 gubernatorial election in the state.
Oba Babalola, the Onitaji of Itaji Ekiti stressed the need to caution the governorship candidates and their supporters against perpetuating violence that could disturb the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state.
The traditional ruler warned that the ugly trend portrayed a great danger for the state that had hitherto enjoyed unprecedented peace and harmony.
He recalled the unwarranted mayhem that was unleashed in his domain some days ago when one of the candidates was in the area to solicit for votes, adding that some people were arrested in the wake of the destruction that followed the campaign train to other towns in the area including Ilupeju Ekiti.
Appealing to the law enforcement agencies to be above board, non-partisan and be fair to all concerned in the discharge of their duties, the Onitaji stressed that there should be no sacred crow adding that all culprits should be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“We are completely averse to any attempt by any individual or group of people to turn Ekiti State to a theatre of internecine or fratricidal war as espoused in some quarters.
“We abhor any undue interference and the use of any undue influence in all ramifications over the 21st June, 2014 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.
“Let it be known that Ekiti people will choose their Governor and that inalienable right will not be compromised or negotiated”, he said.
The Chairman reiterated the commitment of the Council of Traditional rulers to the sustenance of peace in the state emphasizing that the decision to urgently hold the proposed crucial meeting with the candidates and other stakeholders was in pursuant of the obligation to guarantee peace in the state before, during and after the election.
Last modified: May 6, 2014
