Abiodun charges Ogun monarchs to mobilise subjects for peaceful 2027 elections

…inaugurates Alake as Chairman, State Council of Obas

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has charged traditional rulers across the state to deploy their influence at the grassroots to mobilise their subjects for peaceful, responsible and informed participation in the 2027 general elections.

Abiodun made the call on Tuesday while inaugurating the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, as the new Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor urged the monarchs to educate their subjects on the importance of civic participation and encourage them to shun violence, thuggery, hatred and other acts capable of threatening the peace and stability of the state before, during and after the elections.

He described the 2027 elections as an important democratic transition, stressing that the strength of democracy was measured not only by the votes cast but also by the peace, responsibility 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 and development recorded in the state.

He said: “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. Our people should be encouraged to recognise and support the development strides of the government and, when the time comes, translate their appreciation into their 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.”

Abiodun said his administration had, over the past seven years, strengthened mechanisms to discourage hooliganism and political thuggery, noting that the recent primary election conducted by the ruling party in the state was peaceful and crisis-free.

He commended the traditional rulers for their continued support for the administration, describing them as strategic partners in maintaining peace, strengthening security and deepening grassroots development.

The governor particularly praised the monarchs for supporting security agencies through intelligence gathering and community mobilisation, noting that their knowledge of local communities remained indispensable to effective security operations.