Notable traditional rulers within Epe Division, air their views on how the populace should conduct themselves during and after the election

Notable traditional rulers within Epe Division, air their views on how the populace should conduct themselves during and after the election. While speaking with Reporters from Ekohotblog.com, they individually made it known that their utmost desire is that peace and orderliness should be maintained throughout the election period, regardless of the outcome of the election.

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY OBA GANIYU ASUMOADERIBIGBE, (Jamade I) Alayandelu of Odo-AyandeluKingdom.

Do you think the government has done well in the area of security in the forthcoming elections?

Well, I think they have tried but then the recent fire outbreak in some INEC offices within the country points to the fact that the government still has more ends to tie. Also, I would implore the government to ensure that tight security measures are kept at our borders in order to avoid any unexpected occurrences.

As a ruler, what plans are on ground to ensure that peace and orderliness is maintained during the election?

Well, my community has been the most peaceful community within this Local Council. We have been able to achieve this by equipping our youths through formal educational and vocational skills. Those who are through with schooling, we provide jobs for them in the companies within the community. So, it’s only the idle hand that can incite evil. They have been trained to know that violence has no place within the community. Within the community I am referred to as ‘Kabiyesi olopa’ because they know that I don’t tolerate nonsense. So we can assure you that we are committed to maintaining peace and order in this community throughout the election.

OBA RAFIU ISHOLA BABATUNDE BALOGUN, (AdetoyeseEjalonibu II) Elejirin of Ejirin Land

In what way do you think the government has prepared for a free and fair election?

So far, from the reports from INEC and security agencies, they seem morally prepared to enable a credible election. Also, the Nigerian Police has made it known that they are really prepared for the election as they have men on ground to ensure that the election goes on smoothly. For me, I’ll say those assurances from INEC and security agencies points to the fact that the government has done a good job in ensuring that the forthcoming election is free and fair.

As a ruler, what plans are on ground to ensure that peace and orderliness is maintained during the election?

As a royal father, I have sensitized my people on the need to conduct themselves peacefully during the election process while making them know that this country belongs to us and we don’t have anywhere else to go. I have urged them to go to the polling units and cast their votes for their preferred candidates without inciting any form of violence. Moreover, the people of my community are very peace-loving and law abiding. In the past we have always been known to go about election processes peacefully.

The Oloja of Epe Oba Kamorudeen Animasaun
Has called on the people of Epe not to be discouraged by the postponement and tomorrow would present another opportunity for the people to exercise their civic responsibility. However they should come out and vote for the sustenance of our democracy.

OBA SEFIU OLATUNJI ADEWALE BAMGBOPA, (EsinlokunI) Oluepe of Epe

In your view, what preparations do you think the government has put in place to ensure a free and fair election?

This time, we have been made to understand that the government has put in place security outfits to every polling booth that will aid free and fair election for the general public.

What is your general advice to the public, concerning their conduct during the election?

My advice to people is that they should take the outcome of the election in good fate and ensure that they conduct themselves peacefully during the election.

ALAKETU OF KETU-EPE

The Alaketu of Ketu-Epe,Oba Adefowora Adegboyega, has assured the people of Epe that he is confident that Inec has addressed the shortcomings that led to the postponement of the election. He also noted that according to the Inec assurance, the forthcoming election would be free and fair. Epe people should come out to vote and continue the Democratic process

OBA BABATUNDE OLA OGUNLAJA JP, (Kalejaiye II) Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforinja Kingdom

What preparation do you think the government has put in place to ensure a free and fair election?

I can’t out rightly answer the question because I am not an INEC official but as a traditional leader I can assure you that all the necessary things have been put in place to ensure that the election is free and fair.

What is your general advice to the public, concerning their conduct during the election?

I’ll advise the general public not to sell their vote.

In the same vein, His Royal Majesty Oba Kamoru Animasaun the Oloja of Epe and the Alaketu of Ketu-Epe Oba AdefoworaAdegboyega, respectively urged the general public in particular those from Epe division of Lagos to troop out and vote en masse for progress and continuity.

In a joint statement made by the traditional rulers in Epe Division, they also enjoined the voters to come out en masse on Saturday February 23rd to perform their civic responsibility and not to be discouraged by the postponement of the election. And they should also eschew all forms of violence. They should note that Epe people are peace loving and violent free.

THEY ENJOINED ELECTORATES TO GO OUT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS, AND ENSURE THAT THEY DO SO IN A WAY THAT DOES NOT INCURE ANY RANCOUR OR DIVISION. ACCCORDING TO THEM, THE EPE DIVISION IS A CLOSE KNIT AND WOULD RMAIN ONE CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY AFTER THE ELCTION.