The Oke-Ogun Council of Elders (OCE) has urged politicians to shun violence and divisive rhetoric in the build-up to the 2027 elections, saying political campaigns should be conducted peacefully and in the interest of the people.

The council also resolved to engage political aspirants from Oke-Ogun who have secured tickets to contest forthcoming elections and demand clear programmes and commitments toward the development of the region.

The elders made the position known in a communiqué issued after their meeting held at the Bodija, Ibadan residence of the council’s President, Otunba Bamidele Dada, a former Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources.

The meeting was attended by eminent sons and daughters of Oke-Ogun, community leaders, political stakeholders and other personalities from across the region, including former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun; Prof. Layi Egunjobi; Sir Oladoja Oladele; Remi Adegbola; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Okeho (FUNATO), Prof. L. Ojedapo; Mr. Oluwole Oladokun and Hon. Lanre Agoro.

The council reiterated its commitment to the development, security, education and political advancement of Oke-Ogun, while urging political actors to place the interests of the region above partisan considerations.

According to the elders, political aspirants from the region would be expected to clearly articulate their programmes and demonstrate how their proposed policies would address the developmental needs of Oke-Ogun as they seek the people’s mandate.

The council said its long-standing aspiration for Oke-Ogun to produce a governor of Oyo State would be pursued through dialogue, constructive engagement and democratic processes.

It urged politicians to maintain peace as they embark on campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, warning against actions capable of creating tension or undermining the unity of the region.

The elders also called for greater investment in education, skills development and human capital, particularly to create opportunities for young people across Oke-Ogun.

On security, the council lauded retired Brigadier-General Kunle Togun, Primate Samson Ojoawo, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, and others for their efforts toward ensuring the safety of residents in the region.

It also commended the Federal and Oyo State governments as well as security agencies for the successful rescue of abducted persons in Oriire Local Government Area, expressing hope that similar incidents would not recur.

The council further called for intensified efforts to secure the release of other persons still in captivity.

On education, the OCE appreciated the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Federal University in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area of Oke-Ogun.

It, however, appealed to the government to release adequate funds to the authorities of the institution to enable it to operate effectively and fulfil its mandate.

The elders also congratulated Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, on his assumption of office as Acting Governor, following Governor Seyi Makinde’s vacation.

They commended Makinde for entrusting the affairs of the state to his deputy and prayed for the success of Lawal in piloting the affairs of the state during the governor’s absence.

The council called on all sons and daughters of Oke-Ogun, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status, to unite and work collectively for the advancement of the region.

It said it had developed the Oke-Ogun Development Blueprint (2025-2035) as a roadmap for accelerated development across the region, adding that the document would be formally launched soon.

The council said the blueprint was designed to provide direction for development in areas including education, security, good governance, political representation, human capital development and sustainable development.