Abiodun tasks traditional rulers on peaceful, responsible 2027 elections

Gov. Dapo Abiodun has urged traditional rulers across the state to mobilise their subjects for a peaceful, responsible and informed participation in the 2027 general elections.

Abiodun made the call on Tuesday in Abeokuta while inaugurating the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, as Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas.

The governor urged the traditional rulers to educate their subjects on the importance of civic participation and encourage them to shun acts capable of threatening peaceful elections.

He described the 2027 elections as an important democratic transition, stressing that the strength of democracy was measured not only by votes cast but also by the peace and sound judgment with which citizens exercised their franchise.

According to him, traditional institutions, given their reach and moral authority at the grassroots, have an important role to play in ensuring that the next electoral season does not undermine the peace recorded in the state.

“Beyond security, I also called on our royal fathers to continue mobilising our people towards responsible civic participation, particularly as we enter another electoral season,” Abiodun said.
He urged them to encourage their subjects to recognise and support the development strides of government and, when the time comes, to translate their appreciation into democratic choices at the polls.

“At the same time, you must remind your subjects that elections should never become an excuse for violence, hatred or division.
“We must continue to uphold the peace we have collectively nurtured and participate responsibly in programmes that advance our ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda,” he said.

He charged the new chairman to build on the achievements of his predecessor, strengthen unity among traditional rulers and promote initiatives that would contribute to the advancement of the state.

In his remarks, Oba Gbadebo, commended Abiodun for what he described as the administration’s developmental strides across the state.

The Alake commended his predecessor, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, for his contributions to the welfare, unity and cohesion of traditional rulers.

” I will build on those achievements by fostering greater unity within the council by supporting government programmes and policies that will improve the welfare and prosperity of the people,” he said.