The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has urged religious leaders in the country to intensify their prayers for successful elections in 2023.

The Olubadan, who gave the charge during the Episcopal visit of the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Abiodun Olaoye, said that next year’s election, being a transitional one, would hold a very strategic place in the life of the country, considering the present state of the nation.”

Oba Balogun insisted that religious leaders have greater role to play as virtually all of those leading or aspiring to lead at all levels of governance practise either Christianity or Islam.

Archbishop Olaoye, in his speech, urged the monarch to use his position to advise the politicians on the need to address the myriad of problems confronting the country.

He said that traditional, religious and political leaders must recognise collective actions at combating the challenges in annihilating the incidents of decadence.

He, therefore, enjoined leaders to jointly proffer solutions, adding that the image of the country is daily being projected in negative perspectives due to evil acts.

The Archbishop also urged Nigerians to eschew any form of sentiment by voting the right candidate instead of someone with a self-serving intention.

Olaoye advised the electorate against being coerced to vote the wrong people who would not contribute to the development of the country but rather listen to what the politicians want to offer the masses.