The Ilobu Asake Development Union (IDU) has called on residents and indigenes of Ilobu to shun violence, provocation and other acts capable of disrupting the peaceful conduct of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The union also appealed to political parties, candidates, their supporters and community stakeholders to prioritise peace and unity, stressing that no political victory was worth the loss of lives, freedom or the wellbeing of the people.
In a statement signed by its National President, Prof. Olufemi Saibu, the union said Ilobu had, over the years, built a reputation as a peaceful and united community through mutual respect, tolerance and a strong sense of brotherhood.
It, however, expressed concern over recent crises in the community which it said had resulted in violence, arrests and loss of lives.
The union particularly lamented the imprisonment of some youths from the community, describing the development as unfortunate and inconsistent with the peaceful values for which Ilobu is known.
According to the IDU, the forthcoming governorship election is an important moment for both Osun State and Ilobu, as the quality of leadership that emerges will have implications for the development of roads, schools, healthcare, water supply and other critical infrastructure.
It noted that a peaceful community would be better positioned to attract government attention, investment and goodwill than one associated with violence and unrest.
The union urged all eligible voters in Ilobu who possess Permanent Voter Cards to come out and exercise their civic rights on election day.
It stressed, however, that it would not direct anyone on whom to vote, saying the choice of candidate should be determined by individual conscience and an informed assessment of who is capable of serving the collective interest.
The IDU insisted that whatever choice voters make must be expressed peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the electoral process.
The union also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to caution their members against violence, intimidation and provocation.
It reminded political actors that victims of electoral violence remain members of the same community, regardless of their political affiliations.
“Whoever falls victim to electoral violence, whether injured, arrested, or worse remains, first and foremost, a son or daughter of Ilobu,” the statement said.
The union therefore urged political leaders to see themselves as custodians of peace among their supporters rather than merely mobilizer of votes.
It also warned residents against allowing individuals or groups who may benefit from division and disorder to manipulate them for political purposes.
The IDU described Ilobu’s reputation as a valuable legacy built by previous generations, stressing that it belongs to the entire community and must be protected for future generations.
The union specifically appealed to youths to exercise maturity, discipline and restraint before, during and after the election.
It said young people should recognise that their future and the future of Ilobu would be better served by peace, stability and development than by political violence.
The union further called on residents and indigenes of Ilobu living within and outside Nigeria to promote peace and responsible participation in the electoral process.
On the role of security agencies, the IDU urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security personnel deployed to Ilobu and its environs to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, fairness and restraint.
It also appealed to accredited election observers to monitor the process objectively, while urging residents to cooperate with legitimate security personnel working to protect lives and property.
The union called on mothers, elders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other respected community figures to use their influence to discourage violence and help restrain individuals who may be tempted to engage in provocative acts.
It also appealed to sons and daughters of Ilobu living in other parts of Nigeria and abroad to use their platforms and influence to promote peace among family members and associates at home.
The IDU reminded the people that political contests are temporary, while the community would remain after the election.
It therefore urged those who emerge victorious to celebrate with humility and those who lose to accept the outcome with grace.
“Whatever the outcome of this election, we must be prepared to embrace one another as one family afterward. Victory should be celebrated with humility, and defeat accepted with grace, for the true winner in a peaceful election is Ilobu itself,” the union said.
The development union urged community leaders, family heads, religious leaders and opinion moulders to join efforts to mobilise residents for peaceful participation in the democratic process.
It called on the people to reject thuggery, violence and provocation, stressing that votes rather than intimidation or violence should determine the political future of the state.
The union concluded by urging the people of Ilobu to once again demonstrate to Osun State and Nigeria that the community remains peaceful, united and committed to democratic values.