The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egba Land, Oba (Dr.) Aremu Adedotun Gbadebo, Okukenu IV has, on behalf of other Royal Fathers in Egbaland, declared support for the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) in its drive to achieve free, fair, credible and violence-free 2021 Local Government elections, holding on Saturday, July 24 2021.
Speaking while receiving members of the Commission in his Palace at Ake, Abeokuta, Oba Gbadebo, in company of other Royal Fathers in the Ogun Central Senatorial District, noted that the task before the Commission was a worthy one, urging the Royal Fathers to sensitise their subjects on the need to participate in the exercise, while they maintain neutrality to all participating political parties.
He called on the electorate to eschew violence, embrace peace, not only during the elections but after, charging them to utilize their voting power properly by not voting for people of questionable character, “as there is no alternative to Democracy even though the system of government has its own ups and downs, it still remains the widely accepted”.
Earlier in his remarks, OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu revealed that, the need to involve Traditional Institution in the process of the Local Government elections cannot be over-emphasised, as the people see Royal Fathers as Authority that will not lead them astray.
“We consider this visit necessary because the people believe in our Royal Fathers, they do not only listen, they carry out what they have been asked to do because they know you will not lead them astray and you will not do something that will be contrary to their interest. They know that you are the Father of all, everybody, regardless of their political leanings listen to you, that is why we have come to you to assist us to caution people with bad intentions. We equally count on your Royal blessings to succeed”, he said.
The Commission members also visited the Abeokuta South Local Government Secretariat, where the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Hon. Ayodeji Shomide pledged the Council’s support for the Electoral Officer and other ad-hoc staff assigned to the area.
