Ekiti Traditional Council on Monday warned against any breach of peace before, during and after the June 18 governorship election in the state, following recent violence across the state.

Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, the Onisan of Isan-Ekiti and Chairman of the Council gave the warning at a security stakeholders meeting held at the palace of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe in Ado-Ekiti.

The meeting had in attendance representatives of political parties, heads of security agencies, candidates, transport union leaders and other stakeholders.

The council cautioned candidates in the June 18 governorship election against promoting violence before, during and after the election.

The meeting which was at the instance of Oba Adejugbe became necessary following violent clashes between supporters of rival political parties in parts of the state few days to the election.

Speaking at the meeting, Oba Adejuwon noted that the clashes became a source of concern to the council and needed to be curtailed.

Oba Adejuwon noted that no ambition is worth the blood of any citizen and advised the candidates and transport union leaders to caution their supporters and members against acts capable of heating up the polity.

“The events of the past few days involving clashes between political parties have become a source of worry and concern to residents.

“We feel we cannot just sit and fold our arms while things get out of hand hence this stakeholders security meeting to broker peace among the candidates and their supporters.

“No meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of violence and acrimony; that’s why we are appealing to our politicians and leaders of various transport unions to give peace a chance.

“Whatever our acts of omission and commission today will definitely count, not only on us, but on generations yet unborn,” Oba Adejuwon said.

Normalcy has since returned to the troubled spots, especially in Ado-Ekiti as security patrol teams have been deployed to maintain law and order.

The meeting was attended by all the 16 governorship candidates participating in the election. Party representatives who spoke called for a transparent election.

(NAN)