By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa
The Regent of Ayeka Kingdom, Princess Barrister Oluyemi Bajowa, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Awawa 94.1 FM Ayeka, has appealed to the good people of Ondo State to shun violence as they prepare to elect the next Governor of Ondo State on Saturday, 16th November 2024.
This was contained in a statement personally signed by the Regent. She noted that both politicians and voters should endeavour to prioritise Ondo State and let their love for the state guide their actions on election day.
The Regent stated, “An election is a channel through which participatory democracy is sustained in Nigeria, and Ondo State has an off-cycle election on Saturday. It behoves us, the good people of Ondo State, to ensure the electioneering process takes place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Voters should not be intimidated under any circumstances, and the process should remain free from violence or the stirring of tempers.
“I want to make a special appeal to my people in Ondo South: we must maintain peace before, during, and after the election. The Southern Senatorial District is undoubtedly the beautiful bride of this election, so we should set an example for other senatorial districts by making peace our watchword at the polls on Saturday.
“We do not have another state to call our own apart from this Sunshine State of ours. Therefore, political stakeholders must not incite tension. Instead, the election should be conducted in a manner that makes Ondo State a model for other states to emulate.”
She encouraged voters to turn out in large numbers on Saturday to vote for their preferred candidates, while avoiding unnecessary arguments that could heighten tensions at polling units.
The wife of the Jagunmolu of Ikaleland, General Olu Bajowa, also stressed the importance of voters not allowing prejudice or monetary incentives to influence their choices on election day. She maintained that participatory democracy is strengthened when voters fulfil their civic duties impartially and responsibly.