A traditional ruler, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, has called for collective efforts to ensure the peaceful conduct of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Mr Aromire, the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, made the call at the 2026 Isese Day celebration at his palace in Ijora, Lagos, on Thursday. 

The Lagos State government declares every August 20 a public holiday to celebrate Isese Day. 

The traditional ruler said the forthcoming general elections should promote tolerance, reject hate speech and strengthen interfaith dialogue across the country. 

He also urged citizens and politicians to maintain peace, ensure religious tolerance, and promote stability ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections. 

“My advice to our political leaders is to play by the rules of the game. We do not want violence; let peace reign in Nigeria, and I pray that unity and harmony will reign in the country. 

“It is even part of what we are doing today; we are praying for peace, unity and harmony before and after the 2027 general elections because we do not want bloodshed. 

“We live in an ethnically and religiously diverse society; we need to understand and respect our differences for social harmony, political stability and equitable prosperity. 

“This period leading to the 2027 elections requires calm. We need to caution the youth against allowing politicians to incite violence. 

“This is because no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of mistrust and conflict. Therefore, peace remains the foundation for justice, harmony and shared progress,” he said. 

The ruler also urged the masses, especially the youth, not to be used by politicians to cause unrest and problems during the elections. 

Mr Aromire reminded Nigerians to respect cultural and religious diversity, noting that peaceful coexistence remained vital for regional and national development. 

The traditional ruler said the festival was significant because it brought back memories of the ancestors and also promoted peace and unity within the community. 

He urged people not to forget their ancestors, noting that traditionalists existed before the Muslim and Christian religions came to the country. 

He described the celebration as an opportunity to honour the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, promote unity and reaffirm the importance of preserving indigenous values for generations yet unborn. 

‘’Culture remains an essential part of the identity of any people; the rich traditions, history and values of the Yoruba must continue to be respected and passed on to younger generations, ‘’ Mr Aromire said. 

He wished members of the Yoruba community a peaceful and memorable Isese Day celebration, urging everyone to celebrate responsibly, while upholding the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. 

Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Day (or Isese Day) is an annual cultural and religious celebration observed by practitioners of the Yoruba traditional religion, primarily in southwestern Nigeria. 

The day honours Yoruba deities and Orishas and preserves the heritage and customs of the Yoruba people.

(NAN)