Ahead of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and renowned Yoruba cultural maestro and Drummer of Peace, Prince Adewale Laoye, have called for a peaceful electoral process, urging youths not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate violence.

The call was made at a cultural event organised by Laoye, Founder and Director of Aafin Ilu (Palace of Drums), in Ede, Osun State, as part of efforts to promote peace and peaceful democratic participation before, during and after the election.

The event, tagged: “Promoting Peace Through Drums, Not Guns/Bombs,” attracted traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, youths, community leaders, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Orientation Agency, civil society organisations and other stakeholders from across the country.

Artists, poets, chanters and singers also entertained participants with traditional performances, using music and drums to reinforce messages of peace, unity and peaceful coexistence.

The Ooni, who is regarded as a custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions, threw his weight behind the initiative and urged young people to reject political violence.

Represented by his wife, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, the monarch said the traditional drum had historically served as a means of communication and mobilisation among Yoruba people and should now be used to promote peace rather than conflict.

“For centuries, the drum has been the heartbeat of our people. Before newspapers, before radio, before social media, our drums spoke to our communities.

“Today, we return to that powerful symbol. Our drums will not call for conflict. Our drums will not encourage division. Our drums will not spread fear. Instead, every beat you hear today carries one message: peace,” he said.

The Ooni said the theme of the event was a call to conscience, stressing that no election or political ambition was worth the loss of human lives.

“No election is worth the blood of any citizen. No political ambition is greater than the life of a young man or woman. No disagreement should rob our communities of the harmony we have worked so hard to build,” he added.

Laoye, while speaking at the event, appealed to political leaders and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of creating tension.

He said political leaders had a responsibility to use their influence to promote hope, unity and tolerance among their supporters.

“To our political leaders and actors, regardless of party affiliation, I respectfully appeal to you today. Your supporters listen to your words. Your followers imitate your actions. Let your campaigns inspire hope instead of hostility. Let your speeches build bridges instead of walls,” he said.

Laoye also charged youths to reject attempts by politicians or other interests to recruit them for violent activities during the election.

“To our young people, you are the heartbeat of this nation. Never allow yourselves to become instruments of violence in pursuit of someone else’s ambition. Your future is too valuable to be sacrificed for temporary political gains,” he said.

He urged youths to become ambassadors of peace in their homes, schools, communities and on social media, stressing that peaceful societies were built through dialogue, understanding and responsible choices.

Laoye expressed appreciation to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for what he described as his commitment to peace, cultural preservation and development in the state.

He said the initiative was intended to use Yoruba cultural heritage, particularly traditional drums, as a vehicle for promoting peaceful coexistence and responsible participation in the electoral process.

“May the rhythm we create today echo throughout Osun State and across Nigeria. May our drums become symbols of hope. May our voices inspire unity. May our actions preserve peace.

“Together, let us prove that the sound of drums will always be louder than the sound of violence,” Laoye said.