Concerned by recent reports of insecurity, political violence, and killings in parts of Osun State, political stakeholders, community leaders, and residents of Iwoye-Ijesa on Sunday, June 14, 2026, convened an Inter-Party Peace Meeting to promote harmony, tolerance, and peaceful political engagement ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The meeting, convened by Engr. Dideolu Falobi, a former APC Governorship Aspirant in the 2026 Osun State governorship election, was aimed at strengthening unity within the community and preventing all forms of political violence before, during, and after the election.
Speaking at the gathering, Engr. Falobi said the initiative became necessary following disturbing incidents of violence reported in Ilesa, Ede, Ikire, and Iwo, stressing the need to preserve the peace and stability for which Iwoye-Ijesa has long been known.
Reflecting on the town’s history, he noted that Iwoye-Ijesa was perhaps the only community in Ijesaland that neither recorded killings nor witnessed the burning of houses during the political crisis popularly known as the “Wetie” era of the 1960s.
According to him, the community’s remarkable development has been built on unity, cooperation, and the collective contributions of its sons, daughters, and supportive in-laws.
He highlighted several landmark projects executed through communal efforts, including the establishment of the Community Bank (now a Microfinance Bank), Iwoye-Ijesa Grammar School, the construction of the royal palace, and the community electrification project.
In a statement issued and signed by Engr. Dideolu Falobi, FNSE, FCIoD, Convener of the Inter-Party Peace Meeting, he urged members and supporters of all political parties to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the election period by shunning violence, intimidation, hate speech, and destruction of property.
The meeting featured contributions from stakeholders across different political parties and community groups, including Mr. Kehinde Falore, Mr. Taiwo Falobi, Mr. Oladele Opeyemi, Chief (Mrs.) Foyeke Fasugba, Mr. Bolade Adeyemi, Mr. Tope Fakanju, Mr. Gbenga Adebiju, Mr. Banji Olusesi, Mr. Lekan Ariyo, and Mr. Goke Olowoyeye, among others.
Participants unanimously emphasized the need for politics to be conducted with love, tolerance, and mutual respect. They also advocated continuous sensitization against political violence, greater vigilance against external elements seeking to destabilize the community, responsible leadership by political parties and candidates, increased participation of women in promoting peaceful elections, proper guidance and mentorship of youths to prevent their exploitation as political thugs, strengthened unity and peaceful coexistence irrespective of political affiliation, and the adoption of traditional and community-based conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent and resolve disputes.
The meeting received a significant boost with the arrival of the Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa, who commended the initiative and expressed his support for all efforts geared towards preserving peace in the community.
The royal father appealed to all residents and political actors to embrace fairness, tolerance, and mutual understanding throughout the electioneering process. He also offered prayers for the peace and prosperity of Iwoye-Ijesa, Ijesaland, Osun State, and Nigeria.
Representatives and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attended the meeting, demonstrating a shared commitment across party lines to maintaining peace and stability within the community.
The event concluded on a warm and cordial note with a closing prayer delivered by the Aro of Iwoye-Ijesa, Chief Okundare.
Participants pledged to serve as ambassadors of peace and to work collectively towards ensuring that the forthcoming elections are conducted in an atmosphere free from violence, intimidation, and hatred.
Adding that Peace is the foundation of development, and development is only possible where unity prevails.
