Nigerian monarchs urge peace amid festival and election tensions

Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, warned worshippers and participants of the two‑week Egungun festival that the cultural celebration must not become a venue for crime or violence. Speaking to his chief spokesman, he stressed that the festival is meant to showcase tradition, social cohesion and family unity, and urged cooperation with law‑enforcement to keep the events across the city’s eleven local government areas peaceful.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, appealed to politicians and supporters in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election to shun violence and hateful rhetoric. Addressing the Imole Campaign Council and senior officials, he emphasized that Osun is larger than any party or individual and called for a peaceful, development‑oriented election despite a history of clashes between rival parties.