Some Ife stakeholders have called on residents of the town to maintain peace, unity and respect for democratic processes during the ongoing governorship election in the state.
One of the stakeholders, Prof. Wale Ladipo, said his priority remained peace, unity and an unwavering commitment to the growth and development of Ile-Ife and its people.
Ladipo, who is the Chairman, Imole Campaign Council, said that any political party whose activities negatively affected the palace or opposed the progress of the town would not receive people’s support.
According to him, Ife remains united despite political differences.
Another prominent indigene of the town, Mr Rotimi Makinde, said politics should not be seen as a do-or-die but should be built around friendship, mutual respect and tolerance.
Makinde, a former member of House of Representatives, said politics should not be allowed to destroy relationships.
“Elections will come and go, but family will remain. Whoever emerges victorious should work for the progress of the ancient city (Ife) and respect the royal father.
Another former House of Representatives member and Ife indigene, Marcus Adedinni, described the situation in Ife as calm, commending INEC officials for promptly attending to voters.
While urging the people of the town to maintain peace, the former lawmaker advised both winners and losers to celebrate one another, stressing that the election should strengthen unity among people rather than pitting them against one another.
Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, a former Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), commended the electoral process in the town.
“The process was smooth; INEC officials were professional and voter turnout was generally impressive in the area,” he said.
Mr Bola Oyebowale, Vice-Chairman of Osun State Board of Internal Revenue, who voted at Our Lady of Lourdes, Ward 06, Unit 015, Ipetumodu, however, raised concern about the BVAS and fingerprint difficulties experienced by voters at the polling unit.
Oyebowale, who said that some faces could not be identified by the devices, advised voters to still stay back to cast their votes.
