The Oke-Ogun Council of Elders in Oyo State has appealed to political parties and their candidates to avoid actions that could threaten peace during the build-up to the 2027 elections.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued after the council’s meeting held in Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government Area.
The meeting, hosted at the residence of the council’s leader and former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources, Dada Bamidele, focused on major issues affecting Oke-Ogun and Oyo State, including security, education, the economy, politics and social development.
The communiqué was signed by Jare Ajayi, Remi Adegbola and Sola Ailako.
The elders praised retired Brig Gen Kunle Togun, Primate Samson Ojoawo and Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, among others, for their contributions to security in the region.
They also commended the Federal and Oyo State governments as well as security agencies following the rescue of abducted victims in Oriire Local Government Area.
The council, however, expressed concern over residents who remain in captivity and urged relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.
On education, the elders welcomed the establishment of the Federal University in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area, and called for adequate funding to enable the institution to function effectively.
The council also restated the desire of the Oke-Ogun people to produce a governor of Oyo State, saying the ambition would be pursued through peaceful and democratic means.
It said political aspirants from the area who had obtained tickets for forthcoming elections would be engaged to explain their plans for developing Oke-Ogun.
“The aspirants will be expected to clearly state their programmes and commitments to the development of Oke-Ogun as they begin to seek the people’s mandate. We enjoin politicians to ensure that peace is maintained as they embark on political campaigns towards the 2027 elections.
“We also call for sustained investment in education, skills development and human capital, particularly to create opportunities for young people in the region.”
The elders further urged people from the region, regardless of their political, religious or social differences, to work together for the progress of Oke-Ogun.
They disclosed that the Oke-Ogun Development Blueprint 2025-2035 would soon be unveiled as a framework for driving development across the region.
The council also congratulated Acting Governor Adebayo Lawal on his assumption of office and commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the smooth transfer of power during his vacation.
